5 Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice

There are many ways a regular yoga practice can benefit you. Even if you are a runner, a mom, businessman, or are a senior citizen, there is something to be gained from time spent on the mat. Here are a few things that one can get from practicing yoga in a class:

1.) Flexibility Sure, we all have seen those pictures of yogis twisted and contorted into pretzel positions. However, these are extreme examples of flexibility in the human body. Most of us can hope to enhance our flexibility through some yoga even if in general we feel as though our muscles and joints fall into the category of "stiff." Regular activity such as walking and running can shorten muscles such as our hamstrings. Stretching combined with the breathing exercises that are common in a yoga class can work to counteract this shortening. While not a miracle cure for overall muscle tightness, those regularly practicing yoga can find gradual improvement in their flexibility. Additionally, a body with more flexible muscles and joints is one that tends to get less injured in event of a stumble or fall.