The benefits of yoga are wide, vast, and beautifully holistic.

It is impossible to overstate the impact that regular yoga can have on the body, mind, and soul. While there are many different styles of yoga, the physical practice of asanas is primarily focused on building strength. Holding these poses can improve stability, promote a sense of calm, and support overall health while reducing the risk of injury.

So while there are many kinds of yoga, today we're going to focus on the benefits of asana yoga poses that build strength and stability.

 

The benefits of Asanas Yoga Poses

Sitting Asanas:

Sitting asanas focus on the flexibility of the hips, knees, ankles, and groin. These poses are generally more relaxing and target spinal stability.

Standing Asanas:

Standing asanas strengthen muscles in the legs and spine. Many poses can stretch the arteries in the legs to promote blood supply to the lower limbs and help prevent varicose veins and blood clots in the calves. Excellent for people who suffer cramps! These poses are generally more cardiovascular heavy due to the exertion required to maintain the positions.

Forward Bends:

Forward bends are excellent for massaging the abdominal organs, which improves digestion and relieves constipation. These poses can help relax the sympathetic nervous system, which lower pulse rates and blood pressure, as well as reduces stress. Forward bends are also excellent at enhancing the flexibility of the lumbar spine, which can improve sciatic problems and reduce lower back pain.

Twists:

Twists are like magic for the middle of the body and can help relieve pain and tightness in the spinal, hip and groin areas. By working the spine, blood flow is improved in the spinal structure, spinal nerves, and intestines, again helping keep your digestive system healthy. 

Back Bends

Back bends don't necessary need to be large to be beneficial. Slight arches or bending back in a seated position can have the same effect as a full back bend on hands and feet. By opening up the chest and abdomen, the central nervous system is stimulated, which is where we bear all our stress. By helping the central nervous system, you can reenergise the body. It is also said among the yoga circles that back bends are invaluable to people suffering depression. 

Reclining Asanas:

Reclining asanas is exactly what it sounds like, lying down on your back. What better way to end an exercise session, right? Reclining asanas are often performed at the end of a session to help promote relaxation and prep the body for savasana, which is the practice at the end of a class that involves lying down with your eyes closed in the dark to relax. By doing this with nice steady breathing, you can relax your nervous system, help reduce your blood pressure, and stabilise your energy levels. 

There are yoga poses to target all different parts of the body and there is always something for someone. With the varied beginner to advanced classes and chair yoga available, there is little reason not to try a strong, stable, and relaxing new exercise regime. 

 

If you're in Townsville and looking for yoga classes, some of the best yoga classes in Townsville include: 

Yoga Health – Currajong (Excellent!) – www.yogahealth.net.au  

Lighten Up Yoga Studio – Townsville City – www.lightenupstudio.com.au 

Live and Breathe Yoga – Townsville City – www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au 

Morning Outdoor Yoga Classes thanks to City Council – Brigadier Park – https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/outdoor-yoga-classes