Challenging exercise doesn’t always leave you dripping in sweat. Sometimes, the exercise barely makes you move. No, I’m not talking about playing Madden. I’m talking about yoga. The deep stretches, chill music and serenity are foreign to most active individuals who associate exercise with powerful heart contractions, loud music and socialization.
Yoga is a different kind of struggle. The practice requires concentration, flexibility and stability. Think you’re a big, strong guy? You’ll most likely find yourself enjoying a bigger slice of humble pie after your first yoga session. I’ve often found myself having to sit out poses, while I admire the talent of others.
So, what are the physical benefits of yoga?
The most obvious is increased flexibility, which is actually a critical component of feeling good and exercise performance. For example, if your ankle complex is tight, it may force you to walk or run with toes pointed excessively outward – think duck walk. Not only is this an inefficient motor pattern for any athlete, it also predisposes the knee to injury. Similar issues can arise at just about every major joint.
Another advantage comes from practicing stability. To clarify, exercise stability refers to the ability to resist change. For instance, stability in weightlifting is essential to safe and effective training. When learning the deadlift, the lifter must brace their core or else their lower back will round, putting them in a bad position. While this tool may seem trivial, it can make a huge difference in your ability to learn and excel in a variety the movements. Throughout a yoga class, you’ll find yourself challenged with stability in just about every position.
Outside of the physical aspects, yoga provides everyone the psychological benefits of chill time. I’ve talked about the benefits of being mindful before, and few things help a beginner more than yoga.
Yoga requires an intense concentration, which can shift the scattered brain mind to a singleness of purpose. All you can think about is not falling over and embarrassing yourself in front of everyone, including the attractive instructor.
Okay, maybe that just happens to me.
Regardless of your fitness level, yoga can be scaled up or down to benefit most people. Don’t write off yoga as a wimpy, esoteric practice. Men, you won’t lose your man card by doing yoga.
I don’t want to downplay the difficulty of yoga too much, as even the fittest individuals become humbled by the challenge. There are alternative exercises, like Tai Chi, that offer the same benefits of flexibility, stability and psychological down time as yoga without the same level of difficulty.
Give it a try. At worst, you can take a much-needed nap.
