Disclaimer : The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider first before making any changes to your diet or regimen.

Yoga was something I always wanted to try, but it seemed as though there was no good time to start. I had heard only positive things about it, and needed a low-impact workout to ease into, while still building strength and creating muscle tone.

I used to wake up EVERY MORNING with pain and soreness in my upper and lower back and shoulders. It would typically dissipate as the day went on, but no sooner would I wake up the next morning, than all the pain would be back.

After practicing yoga consistently, I can happily tell you that I don’t feel much pain upon waking anymore, unless I’ve skipped a workout the day before. I feel stronger overall and more relaxed as I go about my day. As far as possible, I do yoga every day, except for weekends.

Besides easing back pain, here are six more wonderful benefits of doing yoga at least three times per week:

Increases Flexibility

The very method of yoga is designed to un-kink all the tension you have built up in your muscles. Once this becomes a consistent habit, you will find that you become so flexible that you can move pretty much any which way and it usually doesn’t come back to haunt you later.

Builds Muscle Tone

Even though yoga isn’t a cardio-heavy workout, keeping the poses for several seconds each tones and shapes muscles. For me, the biggest change I’ve seen has been the tightness in my arms.

Strengthens Abs + Core

This is good for anyone who may be post-pregnancy. I don’t feel sore after this workout—only a little bit stronger than the day before.

Increases Stamina

Holding certain poses such as Upward Dog has increased my stamina so much more than before in much less time.

Deepens Breathing

Upward Dog, Triangle Pose, and Runner’s Stretch are only some of the poses which are so intense to hold for several seconds that you are forced to take deep, clear breaths to match the effort involved, which deepens your breathing overall.

Forces You To Clear Your Mind

The sheer energy it takes to keep a pose while maintaining deep, relaxing breaths throughout wipes any other thoughts from your mind. It’s literally impossible to focus on the poses and random thoughts at the same time, let alone talk. It’s actually pretty nice to give my racing mind a break, even if it’s only for 30 minutes!

I didn’t think I could find a way to squeeze yoga into my busy day, but the physical and mental payoff has definitely been worth it.

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Have you tried yoga? If so, how has it helped you?

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