Have you ever attempted the downward facing dog, the plank or the inverted split? If not, you wouldn’t know these are just a few of the many poses of yoga.  So if you are not already one of the converted, why put oneself through an hour of poses, twists and turns? The answer is simple…for your overall health and well-being.  With over 35 million adults in the U.S. practicing yoga, it may be time to consider some of the substantial mental and physical benefits of regular yoga. 

While yoga is commonly known to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility and calm the nerves, it is also a proven way to lose weight and/or prevent obesity.  Researchers have also proven yoga can really help the heart by decreasing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and resting heart rates, and slowing the advancement of atherosclerosis (commonly known as hardening of the arteries). Other benefits of yoga include alleviation of back pain, asthma relief, help with depressive symptoms, relief from carpel tunnel syndrome and the aches and pains of arthritis.

As part of National Yoga Month, over 2200 yoga studios will participate in the ONE WEEK FREE YOGA new student program.  And, during the month of September, over 1000 yoga events will be held throughout the U.S. and the world. To learn more about the new student program near you, go to http://yogahealthfoundation.org/yoga_month.  Be inspired!