Monday Workout

Monday workout.... Most people know that regular exercise has a lot of health benefits.  It makes you stronger, leaner, able to fight off infection, increase stamina, concentration, alters mood and so on.  So what are the benefits of different styles of exercise.  Over the next few weeks I'd like to discuss different styles of exercise from Yoga to weight lifting to running.  There are so many different styles of exercise out there and there is one out there for you.

Today I'm going to discuss the benefits of Yoga.  I read Yoga Journal, not every month, but I do enjoy it.  I don't always practise yoga and I know that I probably should because I enjoy it.  Yoga helps with aches and pains, general health and like other forms of exercise it helps keep illnesses at bay.
The major benefits of yoga are: Improves flexibility, increases strength, perfects posture, prevents cartilage and joint breakdown, protects your spine, helps with bone health, increases blood flow, drains your lymph system and boosts immunity, increases your heart rate, decreases your blood pressure, regulates your adrenal glands, helps make you happier, is a foundation of a healthy lifestyle, lowers blood sugar, helps you focus, relaxes you, improves balance, helps maintain your nervous system, releases tension, helps you sleep deeper, boosts your immune system, helps your lungs move so you breath better, helps prevent IBS and other digestive issues, gives peace of mind, increases self esteem, eases pain, gives you inner strength, and many other benefits. 

As you can see Yoga has many benefits.  The most important benefits to me are increased flexibility (as I am getting older) and relaxation and tranquility this form of exercise provides.  I have a difficult time with meditation but I find yoga helps me settle my mind nicely.  As a critical care nurse my brain is constantly going, trying to think six steps ahead of where I am.

There are many different styles of yoga and everyone has to find a style that fits them.  Some of the styles out there are: Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, lyengar, Jivamukti, Kripalu, Kundalini, Prenatal, Restorative, Sivananda, Viniyoga, Vinyasa/Power, Yin and Tantra Yoga. 
Each style of yoga is different and works on different areas of the body and mind.  Check out the last link in the resources to get and over view of each style.

Each form of exercise has its benefits only you can decide which form of exercise is best suited to you.  I am hoping that by discussing the different types exercise you will find an exercise that peaks your interest.

Resources:
http://www.yogajournal.com/article/health/count-yoga-38-ways-yoga-keeps-fit/
http://life.gaiam.com/article/benefits-yoga
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8622/14-styles-of-yoga-explained-simply.html