Benefits of Yoga - starting with the basics
With our very first round of the East Hall Beginner’s Yoga Course starting on Sunday the 3rd of November, it’s a great time to check in with ourselves. I’m personally super excited to run this course because, after a long break due to surgery recovery and having just way too much on my plate, I probably need this course more than the people booked in…
If you are a beginner (or you simply haven’t practiced for a while) here are some major benefits of yoga and reintroducing yourself to the practice in a fun and safe environment.
The benefits of introducing a Yoga practice into your daily life.
Strength, Flexibility and Balance - these are the three key physical improvements that come from a regular yoga practice. You don’t need to already be flexible or strong to start yoga (to be honest, if you aren’t either of those things you’ll probably feel the most benefit from it). As we age, it’s important to maintain these aspects of our physical bodies and yoga is an incredible way to do this while being gentle on our joints.
Relief from Back Pain - I remember when I first started yoga and, although it was hard and I certainly felt it in my muscles afterwards, I distinctly recall the way my back felt afterwards. It was like a tightness I hadn’t even registered was released, giving me a lighter, stronger walk and straighter posture. If you suffer from back pain, taking a basic yoga course and commencing regular classes could make all the difference.
Improved Heart Health - reducing stress through mindfulness and reducing inflammation of the joints and muscles through regular practice leads to a healthier, happier heart. If there’s a way to protect your heart without additional medication, wouldn’t you want to try that before any chronic health issues form?
Better Sleep - anxiety and tension can reduce the quality of our sleep, and it’s been shown that yoga and mindfulness help to prepare our bodies for a good night’s sleep.
Manage Stress - the main focus of yoga is bringing yourself into the here and now (not being able to stand on your head with your legs in a pretzel), so if you suffer from anxiety and stress, breathing practices (pranayama) and the flow state of yoga can help you manage those symptoms and give you the tools to find a calmer state no matter where you are.
Overall better care and focus on self - self-care starts with making the decision to look after yourself. You are much less likely to go to a yoga class and then fall into a scroll hole and eat junk food. When you start to look after yourself in one way, other paths to health make themselves known to you.
Numerous studies show yoga’s benefits for those suffering from arthritis, osteopenia, balance issues, oncology, women’s health, chronic pain and a huge range of other specialties. And that is just the physical aspect of this ancient spiritual practice.
How to Start Your Yoga Practice Today
Simply signing up for a class or attending a beginner’s course will get you there. There are always youtube videos and apps/podcasts that will help you - but I find it’s harder to get in the zone and truly finish the class when you aren’t sharing the space with other people and an instructor.
If you’re looking to start a regular yoga practice, East Hall Yoga in Rockhampton is starting their beginner yoga course on November 3rd, 2024 at 5pm. This course is designed as a comprehensive guide to learn the basics of yoga in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll be taken through basic Sanskrit terms, etiquette, postures, breathing, meditation and so much more. Plus, it’s just a fun way to hang out with people who are equally as interested in improving their mental and physical health.
You can sign up for the course or book a class here.
If you have any concerns, queries or comments, feel free to get in touch by emailing abby@easthall.org
