Lesa Turnquist | Copy co-editor

My previous blog was about the importance of doing both strength and cardio training and the benefits of each; however, it didn’t include other important components of fitness: balance and flexibility. These components can both be found in yoga, which is why yoga is a MUST.

Yoga can be described as a practice that involves breathing control, stretches and poses, and meditation and relaxation. There are many different types of yoga. Click this link to see the names and descriptions of some major types of yoga. It’s best to start out with a beginner yoga, such as hatha yoga, but it’s always good to try something new.

One important thing to remember about yoga is you don’t have to be good at it to practice it. Maybe you’re not flexible or maybe you’re not strong, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. We practice everything to get better at it, so the more you practice, the better you’ll be.

Some benefits of yoga are similar to strength and cardio, but there are many benefits you only will receive from the yoga style of exercise.

Benefits:
Protection from injury
Improved respiration
Energy and vitality
Increased muscle strength and tone
Increased flexibility and balance
Cardio and circulatory health
Stress relief

If you have not tried yoga, I would definitely recommend it. Remember, you don’t have to be good it at to practice it. It’s good to start out with a beginner yoga class, and then go from there and try other styles of yoga.

Graphic by Justice Gage