20 Reasons to Love Yoga

National Yoga Month is a national observance and awareness campaign held during the month of September. The goal is to educate people about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. Yoga can be practiced anywhere at any time, so take your practice outdoors and connect with nature. Go to the beach, a park, take a walk in the woods and stop to do a couple of stretches along the way. Work on your balance with tree pose and pick a tree for inspiration.

September is National Yoga Month. Go for it. Embrace it!

Throughout September, yoga studios across the nation will be offering free yoga classes and there are hundreds of community events in celebration of National Yoga Month. Try a different studio, a new style and get out of the same old routine. If you always do a flow style of yoga, switch it up with Yin Yoga or a restorative practice. Yoga is so much more than just a physical practice. Not only does it help build strength and increase flexibility, but it also does wonders for mental focus and peace. Breathing is an important part of the practice. Here are 20 reasons why we love yoga!

Benefits of Yoga

1. Increases blood flow
2. Builds muscle strength
3. Improved athletic performance
4. Lowers blood pressure
5. Improves your balance
6. Induces sleep
7. Immune system booster
8. Improves flexibility
9. Weight loss
10. Injury protection
11. Decreases stress level
12. May reduce inflammation
13. Protects the heart
14. Boosts self-confidence
15. Lowers sugar levels
16. Improves breathing
17. Inner peace
18. Pain Relief
19. Strengthens bones
20. Increases energy 

So get moving….get out there and practice yoga!

Are you new to yoga or reluctant to join in a class? One of my favorite online resources is Yoga International. You can search your level, area of concern or by a teacher. If you are feeling depleted and stressed, this Yoga Nidra practice is for you. 20 minutes of relaxing bliss, just like taking a nap only better. You will feel peacefully energized!

“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”  -B.K.S. Iyengar