Over the past couple of years yoga has grown into a popular activity in western cultures. As yoga increased in popularity, more and more people have discovered the various benefits of this type of exercise. People who have never attended a yoga class before sometimes find it difficult to relate to how it can increase their health or fully understand the benefits of it.

In this post we take a look at a couple of the health benefits you can expect when you decide to join a yoga class. Let’s jump right in.

1. Improves Bone Health

Some weight-bearing exercises have been known to improve bone density and decrease the chances of osteoporosis. While yoga is not as impactful as say lifting weights, some poses requires you to lift your weight, which can strengthen your bones. Because yoga is also great for stress-relief, you’ll also have less cortisol and more calcium.

2. Increases Muscle Strength

While going to the gym can increase your muscle strength, you may have to compromise with flexibility. Yoga is the perfect exercise for increasing your muscle strength while also focusing on better flexibility. This is especially great for preventing arthritis and back pain.

3. Increases Blood Circulation

Not only does yoga help your blood to flow, it also increases blood circulation. Relaxation poses in yoga increases blood circulation in your hands and feet while more strenuous stretches and poses can wring out arterial blood from organs. It can also increase red blood cells and hemoglobin levels which is responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues.

4. Strengthens the Spine

While arduous exercises may place a lot of pressure on your spine, this is not the case with yoga. The spinal disks do need to be stretched and exercised. The only way spinal disks can get the needed nutrients is by practicing yoga on a regular basis. Forward bends, back bends and twist poses are great to strengthen and protect your spine.

5. Increases Happiness

And last but not least, practicing yoga on a regular basis have been known to decrease depression and make people happier. This is due to an increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in monoamine oxidase levels. The former is responsible for a feeling of bliss, peace and happiness, while the latter breaks down neurotransmitters.

As you can see, your body and mind will thank you for practicing yoga on a regular basis. You will find that your health and mindset have shifted to a positive direction, and that you will be better prepared to cope with and address negativity and stress.