In the whirlwind l call life, yoga gives me pockets of time to pause, after practice I’m able to
reset and re-asses what is important. When teaching, I encourage students to practice
without ego, move with their bodies, allowing an hour on the mat without judgement.
Pranayama (controlling the breath) can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system,
calming us down after a busy, stressful day, helping us feel more relaxed.
Becoming more flexible is probably the most obvious benefit people associate with yoga,
noticing change with consistent practice. The benefits of improved flexibility go much
further than the ability to touch your toes. Relieving tight muscles can alleviate aches and
pains in the body, and when connective tissues become more flexible this can help improve
posture.
When busy, it can be easy to rush from one thing to another, feeling disconnected and
overwhelmed. When I start to feel like this I know I need to roll out my mat and take time to
ground myself by practising yoga. If like me, you’ve suffered from anxiety, you’ll know the
relief that comes from bringing yourself into the present moment, and giving your mind
respite from the constant chatter.
Having a strong body goes much further than the aesthetics. Being strong means that we
can go about our daily lives with ease, it helps us to balance, and can protect from
conditions such as back pain and arthritis.
There is no doubt that I sleep better after a yoga class, in particular after restorative or
gentle yoga. Meditation can allow downtime for the nervous systems, preparing your body
for a better nights sleep. With better sleep comes a number of benefits, including having
more energy to start the day with.
We have loads of yoga classes available in the gorgeous FLY Fitness Studio. I hope to see you there soon!
Stay calm, Katie x (@KatieJYoga)
