What Are The Benefits of Yoga and Why We Love It!

Here at I AM ME, we are committed to promoting mental and physical health within our community. In our Feelgood Focus, we’ll look at different ways to boost wellbeing, starting with the ancient practice of yoga.

Yoga is not just about stretching and bending. It’s also about practicing how to breathe mindfully and meditate, both of which have huge benefits.

Yoga is not just for women, either - men benefit too. In this article, we’ll explore several different types of yoga and their benefits to body and mind, so you can find out which type would suit you best. If you want to try something new but you’re not sure where to start, read on…

What are the benefits of yoga?

Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and ethical principles. Features and benefits of yoga include:

Breathwork or Pranayama: Concentrating on controlling the breath and practicing different breathing techniques is called pranayama. Pranayama exercises can help to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, increase lung capacity, regulate energy and improve overall vitality.

Postures or Asanas: The physical poses we assume in yoga are called asanas. Asanas improve flexibility, strength and balance. Some of the asanas prepare the body for meditation by relieving tension and promoting relaxation.

Meditation: Meditation involves techniques like mindfulness, focused attention and practicing loving-kindness. The art of meditation fosters mental clarity, emotional stability and a sense of calm and inner peace. Regular practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Ethics or Yamas and Niyamas: Yamas are ethical guidelines that relate to our interactions in the world. Yamas include principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truthfulness). By contrast, niyamas are personal ethics that encourage spiritual growth, such as santosha (contentment) and tapas (discipline).

In essence, yoga offers benefits of physical health, mental wellbeing and spiritual growth. For many practitioners, though, it is the spiritual practice of yoga that sets it apart from other activities - it fosters inner peace and a deeper connection to ourselves and the universe.

What are the most popular types of yoga?

Globally, yoga has grown in popularity over the past few decades. Its appeal can be attributed to positive social, cultural and health-related impacts. Since its inception, yoga has evolved into various styles and practices - from gentle to dynamic. Each offers different benefits for the body, mind and soul. Some of the most popular types of yoga include:

• Hatha yoga
• Vinyasa yoga
• Ashtanga yoga
• Hot yoga
• Yin yoga
• Restorative yoga

Read on to learn more about the different types of yoga and their benefits…

Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a traditional form of gentle yoga that focuses on physical postures - the asanas. It is an ideal access point for beginners, focusing on the fundamentals of asanas and breathwork.

Benefits of Hatha yoga: improves flexibility while building strength and promoting relaxation

Clothing tip: you’ll need comfortable, breathable activewear for ease of movement during Hatha sessions

Vinyasa Yoga

If you’re looking for dynamic and flowing style, Vinyasa is for you. This popular form of yoga synchronises breath with movement.

Benefits of Vinyasa: boosts cardiovascular health, improves coordination and builds strength

Clothing tip: for Vinyasa, you should wear flexible, moisture-wicking fabrics such as our high-performance sports tops and leggings

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a rigorous practice with set sequential postures. With an Ashtanga instructor calling out each pose, the practice becomes meditative and mindful.

Benefits of Ashtanga: increases flexibility, strength and stamina

Clothing tip: this type of movement calls for leggings in durable and stretchy fabrics and a supportive top

Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is practiced in a heated room that is kept at around 37° degrees.

Benefits of hot yoga: Moving in a warm temperature causes us to sweat which detoxifies the body and improves flexibility

Clothing tip: you’ll need to wear lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking attire - ideally shorts and a crop top for freedom of movement

Yin Yoga

Yin is a slow-paced yoga practice where you might rest in a position for several minutes at a time. With Yin, the long holds target deep connective tissue and help to release the fascia.

Benefits of Yin yoga: boosts circulation, improves flexibility and promotes deep relaxation

Clothing tip: for Yin, we suggest layering comfortable clothes to stay warm during prolonged poses - if your yoga studio is warm then you can always take off the top layer

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga focuses on relaxation and restoration. It often uses props, like bolsters and blocks, to help elevate or position the body in a comfortable way.

Benefits of Restorative yoga: reduces stress, aids relaxation and recovery

Clothing tip: with restorative yoga, the emphasis is on comfort and keeping the body warm due to minimal movement - we recommend layering up with a cosy soft hoodie and some thick, slouchy socks

Inspired to join the global yoga movement!

We love yoga and hope that sharing insight into the different types of yoga and their benefits has inspired you to try it out!

The holistic practice transcends physical exercise by uniting body, mind and soul to promote wellbeing. With its origins in ancient wisdom, yoga is a great way to restore balance and calm in today's fast-paced world.

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Look for yoga classes near you

Invest in stylish performance activewear with an empowering message

Download a good yoga app, such as Asana Rebel

Try an online class on YouTube - we love Yoga with Adriene and Cat Meffan Yoga

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