The benefits of yoga to your well-being & mental health
The health advantages of yoga are extensive, from benefits to your physical health to your mental well-being. Can yoga alone get you into shape though?
4 minute readWe’ve all heard about the benefits of yoga on general well-being and mental health. Those graceful poses, the ambience of the studio set up and the promise of inner peace and tranquillity. The benefits yoga brings to your mental health sounds dreamlike.
You can’t deny any of that, but I know there is still a question in the back of your head. Can yoga alone help you get into shape? Is it more than stretching and relieving stress? Let’s explore the truth behind getting fit through yoga.
Does yoga burn calories?
The first thing most people think of when they are considering exercise and weight loss is calories. Well, does yoga burn calories?
You’d be surprised to learn that yoga does indeed burn calories. Of course, it won’t burn as much as a high-intensity workout, but it depends on what type of exercise you want to do. You’ll sweat a lot less doing yoga than you will if you do a spin class, but a regular yoga practice will still help to boost your metabolism over time.
If you do want to burn those extra calories, you could turn up the heat for hot yoga. Studies have also shown that yoga can help sustain weight loss as it encourages less stress eating, reduces appetite and creates more acceptance of self.
The impact of yoga on muscle mass
Yoga mostly focuses on bodyweight exercises which are unlikely to result in a six-pack overnight. However, don’t underestimate the power of holding a plank or doing yoga movements such as sun salutations.
These movements engage various muscle groups, including core muscles. They help to strengthen your body in general and over time you will notice a difference in your muscle tone and definition. In other words, yes, yoga can help you to increase muscle mass, but it may be slower an less than you may do with other exercises.
Can yoga improve cardiovascular rate?
Cardio may not leave you gasping for air as other more intense workouts may make you, but there are certain styles of yoga which are more dynamic.
Vinyasa yoga, also known as “power yoga”, can get your heart racing and your blood pumping throughout your body after even a 30-minute workout. You can increase the intensity of your yoga workout by transitioning faster throughout your body movements. You can also increase your cardio rate but implementing more difficult poses into your workout it will increase your heart rate.
Yoga may not be the most cardiovascular exercise, but it has been scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. So, in general, a regular yoga practice is good for your health, and can also help to lower your blood pressure if you are stressed.
Yoga for your mental health
Yoga is much more than just burning calories, building muscle mass and doing a bit of cardio. It is a wellness activity that includes working out your mind, body and spirit.
In addition to the physical benefits of yoga, it aims to create a serene and tranquil environment where you can find the precious time for self-reflection and mindfulness. By doing so, yoga assists you in relieving stress and finding inner peace.
Whether it’s work, family or personal life, yoga is designed to give you a sanctuary to leave your worries behind. Yoga has also been recommended as an additional therapy for psychiatric conditions, showing positive results. Yoga teaches you to take note of your breathing, as well as the sensations in your body to find your balance.
Is yoga all you need?
If you only do yoga the benefits are clear. However, if you are looking to improve your general fitness in areas of muscle mass and cardio workouts, then you should also incorporate other exercise into your fitness routine. Yoga can complement other activities adding balance to your workout program.
Adding other exercises to your workout routine
Strength training is really important if you want to build muscle mass, yoga alone won’t build this. This can be in the form of lifting weights, Pilates or callisthenics. These exercises are designed to target specific muscle groups and increase the strength and power of the body.
Similarly, adding more intensive cardiovascular activities such as cycling, running or swimming can help to build your endurance more than just alone.
Try yoga today!
Yoga doesn’t only improve your physical health, but it also helps with your mental health. You can improve your flexibility, strength and cardiovascular system through yoga, but you can also strengthen your mind and spirit.
If you combine yoga with other strength training and cardiovascular exercises, you will reap the most benefits. You can choose to do yoga on its own, but even better if you add it to your fitness routine with other activities.
Remember, your fitness and wellbeing is not only about your physical appearance. It is also about how your mind feels. Yoga has been proven to improve your mental state of mind as well as your physical health, why not give it a go?
Joining a yoga class is the best way to experience the ambience of a tranquil setting, but also motivate yourself to keep going and improve on your technique. There are classes for every style and level possible. Give yoga a go today!
