The benefits of yoga and how to get started

Ultimately, yes. Improved flexibility is the most well-known benefit of yoga, and for very good reason. Now we’re not necessarily talking about being able to bend yourself in half – you’re far better off taking things slow and at a pace that suits you. Over the weeks, though, as you continue to practise, you’ll begin to notice yourself becoming more and more flexible.

Stretching out tight muscles not only feels amazing, but it also helps keep your body in its proper alignment, and that’s vital for keeping those annoying aches and pains at bay.

This is particularly important if you train certain muscle groups hard. Cyclists, for example, can find themselves with tight, shortened leg muscles right from their ankles to their hip flexors. Balancing out all that power training with some controlled stretching is a great way to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Absolutely, along with your coordination, balance and proprioception (the sense of knowing the position and movement of body parts – including equilibrium and balance). 

Better posture not only helps to prevent nasties like bad backs and strained necks, it also comes in handy for sports and activities. Why? Because a body with good posture moves far more efficiently than one that’s a bit off-kilter. Fact.

For the most part, yoga sits at the lower end of the exercise intensity scale. While you’re unlikely to burn the same number of calories you would in a full-on cardio workout, you will be burning fat and building lean muscle. That said, anyone who’s ever tried a power yoga class might argue that it’s every bit as intensive as circuits or boxercise. 

Many people also find that going to regular classes lends itself to a healthier lifestyle. Yoga seems to inspire better choices when it comes to food, drink and blowing off steam – all of which can have a welcome effect on your body. 

There are several different types of yoga, some more energetic and demanding than others. Our favourites include:

•    Hatha – slow-paced, peaceful and perfect for beginners.

•    Ashtanga – popular, fast-flowing and an excellent workout.

•    Vinyasa or power yoga – similar to Ashtanga yoga but slightly more athletically demanding. This will really get your heart pumping.

•    Iyengar – plenty of focus on alignment and breathing, great if you’re recovering from an injury.

•    Kundalini – one of the more spiritually-focused forms. Expect lots of chanting and to work your body hard.

•    Bikram – otherwise known as ‘hot yoga’, classes take place in special heated rooms to help you sweat it out. Fantastic for stress relief.

•    Yin – gentle, meditative and slow, with many seated moves. 

Neilson yoga classes tend to include a few different forms to help you find the one that suits you best.
 

It certainly does. We’re not talking rippling biceps; but we are talking core conditioning, muscle toning and creating long, lean muscle definition.

Is yoga strength training? No, not in the traditional sense - there are no weights to be lifted here. But you will boost your strength by utilising your body weight (also known as calisthenics).

Ultimately, yoga achieves the balance between strength, better flexibility, posture and coordination in a way that strength training might not. 
 

We can’t talk about yoga without mentioning the mind.

Stress surrounds us all in our hectic, modern lives, but yoga allows us carve out a space where we can relax, breath, and take a moment’s peace from our otherwise crazy lives! The results? Better sleep, a huge boost in mental wellbeing, and a reduction in stress-related symptoms affecting anything from skin to the digestive system. 

And you can’t put a price on that.

A Neilson class is a good first step! Try it while you’re on holiday, then find a class once you get back home hooked on all that lovely zen.

There’s plenty of alternative moves given during our classes, so they really do suit all levels of abilities. Let your teacher know if you have any painful areas - such as a bad knee or lower back - and they will give you safe modifications of moves where necessary.

One of our favourite things about yoga is that it is a completely personal journey. There’s no competition, so take things slowly, go at your own pace and never push yourself to do moves that are just too painful to keep up with others. The key is to build strong foundations when it comes to working up to more impressive poses. 

All you need to do is bring along a bottle of water and some comfortable clothes that allow you to move and stretch freely. Mats, props and appropriately tranquil music will all be provided. 

What are you waiting for?