Yoga is an extremely popular practice that has been around for a very long time. It is said to have physical and mental health benefits and in that way, the practice in itself can assist you greatly through the stress and anxiety of our daily lives. But is it really true? Are the benefits of yoga facts or fiction? Does it actually work? Today we will dive deeper into yoga, its meaning, and if its benefits are real or not.

When you first hear yoga, you may think about hippies and crystals, but that’s far from what yoga is today. Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in recent years for its many health benefits. Modern yoga is built on a series of postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), and meditation. On the physical side, yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Mentally, yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost brain function, and promote a sense of inner peace and calm. ¹ Whether done in a studio or at home, yoga is a gentle and effective way to improve physical health, mental health, and wellbeing for people of all ages and fitness levels.2 

Well, let’s take a closer look at how yoga can physically help us. The hamstrings are a muscle group in the back of the legs that is tight for a lot of us. After a long day sitting at a desk or riding in a car, your hamstrings may be feeling tight. They have been both shortened or “pulled in” (because of your legs bent at a 90° angle) and weak (because of sitting) all day.

Day after day, your muscle fibers become used to this position. Over time, your general flexibility level decreases unless you make an effort to counteract this process. When you hold your muscles in a stretched position for more than 30 seconds, the muscle fibers begin to relax and lengthen. This is good, because tight muscles can pull on joints and cause pain, become injured easier, and give you bad posture. Yoga also strengthens muscles, which helps protect against weakness (a contributor to tightness).

There are many different kinds of yoga. ³ Like star signs, yoga is very individual, and everyone has their own preferences. What kind of yogi will you be? Let’s describe the four most popular kinds of yoga so you can get an idea of what you would like to try first!

• Hatha yoga is a great practice for beginners. It’s more slow-paced and involves holding poses for several breaths, which helps to build endurance and improve focus. This is the place to start, so you can master poses for Instagram! 
• Vinyasa yoga emphasizes the connection between breath and movement. In this style, students flow through a sequence of poses, moving from one pose to the next on an inhale or exhale. Here, you can practice graceful movements while getting your sweat on! 
• Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that involves holding poses for several minutes at a time. It uses props, such as blankets and blocks, to support stretches. The practice focuses on stretching and releasing tension in the body’s connective tissues. If you’ve ever wanted an exercise class with a pillow, this style is for you!
• Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga. It is a style of yoga that involves practicing 26 poses and two breathing exercises. It is frequently done in a heated room, sometimes 80-100℉, not to mention the humidity! It’s a great workout for when you want to sweat out those toxins. Don’t forget your water bottle!

As you can see, the yoga styles are similar in that they work with the same foundational poses. Each style has its own personality that might make it your new favorite!  Throughout yoga’s rise in popularity, there have been several misconceptions about it. One of the most common is that yoga is only for the young, flexible, and fit. Or even that yoga is only for the more spiritual souls among us. In reality, anyone can practice yoga, regardless of age, fitness level, or body type.

Everyone can enjoy yoga! Some people believe that yoga is only a series of gentle stretches and not a “real” workout. In reality, yoga can be quite demanding, depending on the style and intensity of the class. The true essence of yoga is about connecting mind, body, and spirit and finding inner peace and harmony. Everyone can enjoy the rejuvenating stretches and poses that yoga has to offer.

Yoga can be a valuable part of a holistic wellness plan. Adding yoga to your everyday life doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to fit yoga into your routine:

• Start your day with a few minutes of yoga. A few sun salutations or gentle stretches can help us wake up our bodies and minds.
• Take a yoga class before or after work. Many studios offer early morning and evening classes, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Practice yoga during your lunch break. Find a quiet space at work or take a quick online class to help release tension and boost energy.
• Do yoga while watching TV. Use commercial breaks to fit in a few poses.
• Use yoga to unwind before bed. Gentle stretches and breathing exercises can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
• Use yoga for a workout cooldown – it’s a great way to stretch muscles for the perfect reset after a tough workout.

Happy Nation knows that yoga is the perfect complement to any fitness routine. In our Happy Nation Games, a 21-day wellness program, we alternate between strength-based workouts and yoga to give you the perfect balance. You will get to try out a few of the forms mentioned above! We aim to guide participants towards a better life balance, so this event also focuses on happiness through gratitude and meditation practices. Come experience the benefits of yoga with us at Happy Nation and join the Happy Nation Games!