The type-A perfectionist in me still doesn’t quite “get” yoga.
I want the instructor to tell me what to do and better yet, tell me what I’m doing wrong! I’ll muscle through it.
Yoga instructors are always so nice: “try this pose but if it’s not comfortable, do this instead, or if you can’t do that just move how your body wants to right now”.
If my coach ever said that to me I never would have run!
But now that I’ve done some yoga classes, I understand the vibe they’re going for: the process of yoga and breathing, not perfection.
Yoga is an amazing practice with benefits for general health, strength, stress reduction and chronic disease.
Yoga is wise – bringing together the mind and body. Incorporating breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress, thereby improving health.
As if the people who started yoga and been practicing for 5,000 need proof, we got it anyway.
Current studies have proved that the ancient practice of yoga:
- Decreases the stress hormone, cortisol.
- Relieves symptoms of anxiety.
- Reduces inflammatory markers.
- Improves heart health and decreases risk factors for heart disease.
- Fights depression.
- Reduces chronic pain such as osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel.
- Effects melatonin to promote quality sleep.
- Improves flexibility and balance- therefore reducing falls.
- Increases strength.
- Promotes mindful eating and healthy eating habits
Isn’t yoga pretty amazing and all-encompassing? Which is why we love it as part of Lifestyle Medicine.
Bottom line: The benefits of yoga are many and you don’t have to be perfect. Just start somewhere.
Yoga at CT Lifestyle Medicine
You convinced to try yoga? Our goal at CT Lifestyle Medicine is to introduce you to the practice of yoga and make you comfortable with the process of learning it.
Our yoga instructor Cindy is thoughtful and responsive about helping any body move get started with yoga poses. Whether you start in a chair or on your head, Cindy will work with you on modifications to get your practice going.
Right now we are doing monthly classes at the office and encouraging you to find a local studio or online platform to continue your daily or few-times-a-week practice.
CLICK HERE to sign up for a class.
Great apps to start your yoga habit
Between classes with us, continue your practice regularly at home.
You can Google anything these days, including yoga classes. We have a couple sources we like in particular. All of these are great for beginners.
Down Dog App – choose anywhere from 5 min to 80 min, the voice, the pace and more. This is a great app to start your yoga practice. The habit of small steps.
Gentle Yogis – Really for beginners, this is a very gentle class, mainly chair yoga.
Do Yoga with Me – website with many Free and paid yoga classes. Again, you can choose from the time, the area of focus, the instructor.
Yoga with Adriene – website with a great Free section. Plus options to take your practice further. Great for beginners.
For our monthly classes CLICK HERE to sign up.
Namaste, Catherine