If you’ve already done your ‘downward dog’ today you’re probably well aware of the benefits of yoga.

The benefits should not be underestimated.  Whatever your level, even basic yoga regular practice can help your physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Yoga for strength, balance and flexibility

Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

Try it: Tree Pose

Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle. Try to focus on one spot in front of you, while you balance for one minute.

 

Yoga for back pain relief

Yoga practice can help ease pain and improving mobility for people with lower back pain.

Try it: Cat-Cow Pose

Get on all fours, placing your palms underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. First, inhale, as you let your stomach drop down toward the floor. Then, exhale, as you draw your navel toward your spine, arching your spine like a cat stretching.

  

Yoga for heart health

Regular yoga practice can help reduce levels of stress and contribute to a healthier heart through the regulation of blood pressure and reduction in excess weight. 

Try it: Downward Dog Pose

Get on all fours, then tuck your toes under and bring your sitting bones up, so that you make a triangle shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees, while lengthening your spine and tailbone.

 

Yoga for better sleep

Research shows that a regular bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Try It: Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

Sit with your left side against a wall, then gently turn right and lift your legs up to rest against the wall, keeping your back on the floor and your sitting bones close to the wall. You can remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.

 

Yoga to manage stress

Yoga is proven to support stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.

Try It: Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Lie down with your limbs gently stretched out, away from the body, with your palms facing up. Try to clear your mind while breathing deeply. You can hold this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.
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