BENEFITS OF YOGA and PRACTICING in COMMUNITY

Blood pressure-A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body.

Pulse rate-A slower pulse rate indicates that the heart is strong enough to pump more blood with fewer beats. Regularly practicing yoga provides a lower pulse rate.

Circulation-Yoga improves blood circulation. By transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, yoga practice provides healthier organs, skin, and brain.

Respiratory-Like the circulatory system, a lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are working more efficiently. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.

Cardiovascular endurance-A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body (both benefits of yoga) results in higher cardiovascular endurance.

Organs-Yoga practice massages internal organs, thus improving the ability of the body to prevent disease. Additionally, an experienced yoga practitioner becomes better attuned to the body to know at first sign if something isn’t functioning properly, thereby allowing for quicker response to head off disease.

Gastrointestinal-Gastrointestinal functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice yoga.

Immunity-Yoga practice has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system.

Pain-Pain tolerance is much higher among those who practice yoga regularly. In addition to pain tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga (see below for more on back pain).

Metabolism-Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find balance and creates a more efficient metabolism.