Here’s why Yoga can be an important part of an active lifestyle
By Moraima Capellán Pichardo
No matter where you live, chances are, you’ve come across yoga. Either in the many studios that abound in urban cities, through an estranged cousin posting yoga photos on social media or even word of mouth.
If you’ve never tried a yoga class, it might just seem like a trend but the reality is that yoga is an ancient philosophy over 5,000 years old. It’s not going anywhere. And including a yoga practice in your fitness routine can be an important part of an active lifestyle.
It’s important to note that for the purposes of this article, we will be, mainly, discussing the physical branch of yoga, the asanas or postures. Yoga is much more than the physical exercises and we encourage you to read more on this way of life here.
Yoga has many proven health benefits
Yoga has been shown to decrease stress, anxiety and inflammation. Studies have also shown that it can improve heart health and fight depression.
There’s a reason why doctors recommend yoga to their patients. And why large companies incorporate yoga sessions into their company culture. The techniques learned in a yoga setting, can help you cope with high levels of stress that can result in body pain and even cancer. Studies have also found that a regular yoga practice has helped veterans manage depression and PTSD.
I came to yoga after open-heart surgery and I credit my weekly practice to regaining my strength and mobility. Seeing the results in my personal life led me to teach yoga. And as a teacher I see many students who come to a yoga mat, for their first time, to aid from major illness or life events.
Spirituality is optional
Traditionally, yoga has a spiritual aspect and while it can be argued that to a regular practitioner, spirituality is inevitable, it is a choice. Most yoga studios will not force feed you the spiritual practice that accompanies the physical component of yoga. Yoga teachers also strive to provide an inclusive place regardless of religious beliefs. The emphasis of connecting your mind to your body might lead you to search for some of those classic human questions. But there is a ton of space for those who are only interested in the physical and health benefits.
Yoga should never go against any existing religious beliefs and if you encounter such treatment, please continue searching. There is a studio and a teacher that can accommodate your needs, goals and lifestyle.
Yoga at eXtreme Fitness Camps
eXtreme Fitness Camps is part of the eXtreme Collective, a group of local business devoted to sustainability and providing transformational experiences. All of our bootcamp and retreat options, include an optional yoga component. We work in partnership with The Yoga Loft (located on the eXtreme Hotels grounds where our tiki gym is also located) to provide all of our students a well-rounded fitness program that matches their goals.
We highly recommend that all students attend a daily evening yoga session at the Yoga Loft while participating in a fitness regimen with the eXtreme Fitness Camp team. Not only because of the health benefits noted above but because in addition to those, a yoga practice can help prevent injury and help with muscle recovery post-workout.
Many students also come to yoga after an injury, as a way to being exploring movement in a gentle and supportive environment. Please consult with a doctor if you are recovering from an injury.
At the Yoga Loft, the evening classes often feature a slow-flow sequence with restorative and/or yin postures. Restorative and/or yin postures often use props to support poses that are held longer. The use of props makes the practice passive in order to encourage the opening of major muscles groups as well as ligaments and joints.
Some students are hesitant to try yoga because of popular images of super flexible people. You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga. Yoga, however, will undoubtedly, improve your flexibility and work your strength in ways you may have not accessed before.
