Roll Out the Yoga Mat and Reap the Health Benefits

Ommmmm ommmm ommmmm.

That sound signifies the beginning of yoga class. Eyes closed, hands relaxed on your legs and three deep inhales and exhales.

Most people have tried yoga at least once in their lives. I was a skeptic until recently. I thought yoga was too boring and not much of a workout. I even tried going to a class and felt like falling asleep mid-class. However, with an open mind, I gave yoga another try. Power Yoga. And boy was it a workout!

The class was completely packed, all the windows were closed and people were dripping sweat all around me. I sweated through my tee and felt like passing out or leaving. But, I stuck it through. 90 minutes later we were released and so was my stress. I felt exhilarated and exhausted. I haven't been back to Power Yoga since, but have been practicing Iyengar yoga on a weekly basis with a few colleagues. It's not as intense as Power Yoga but it still kicks my butt.

Our instructor even joked that it's the original Insanity workout. He's not kidding.

1. Better Circulation: Yoga stimulates your blood flow which improves circulation throughout your body. This means your body is getting nutrients and oxygen delivered quicker which results in better skin, organs and brain power. It also results in lower cholesterol and blood pressure. So instead of sitting on your butt all day, do a few warrior poses and downward dogs. You'll get the blood pumping in no time.


2. Strength and Muscle Tone: Wanna get strong and build your core? Try yoga. Holding tree pose while trying to maintain balance on one leg will definitely get you stronger. For those of you who don't enjoy weight lifting, yoga is a great alternative to getting toned. Maintaining a plank position and hovering halfway down will give you definition in your arms and core. Trust me. I've been there. Now, if I can only achieve the handstand against the wall. It's also good for weight loss due to a more effective metabolism from overall improved circulation. Plus, when you stretch the muscles lengthwise, you are breaking down cellulite that could make itself at home on your thighs and glutes.


3. Improved Mood: When you do yoga, you focus on the mind-body connection. I've gone to class stressed out and anxious with a million things on my mind. After just an hour, all of that just melts away. I know it may sound silly, but doing yoga has taught me how to de-stress while getting fit. I've learned how to focus internally and forgo any distractions when needed. Besides, all the deep breathing and challenging poses will naturally draw you away from thinking about anything else.


4. Slow Aging: Who wants to look younger? I know I do. Yoga helps speed up your body's detox system which means you're eliminating toxins and wastes that might just be sitting there taking up space. When you detox, your body ages slower and works more efficiently. I know a yoga instructor who is in his late 40s and looks like he's in his 30s. And he says it's all due to being a hardcore yogi. In addition, yoga gets rid of constipation by helping the digestive system work effectively. So, if you ever feel backed up, yoga to the rescue. Those are definitely some toxins you don't want sitting in your body.


5. Better Love Life: Recently, I read an article about the 3 year glitch hitting couples in committed relationships. Basically, couples are having less sex and not really doing much in terms of keeping the spark alive. Finances, work, kids, bad diet, less exercise and letting go of your looks can all contribute to this sad phenomenon. It can be hard to keep the romance going after a few years, but that doesn't mean you can't try. Practicing yoga has been shown to give you better body confidence and more flexibility, so you will feel more like rekindling the flame. And who doesn't want to feel sexy?

One more thing about yoga: It's practically cost-free. All you need is a mat which costs around $25. Lululemon offers free classes and there are several donation-based classes in major cities. If you don't live in a major city, you can still buy a DVD and do yoga at home. Or, check out FitTV for Namaste Yoga sessions. We also have an exclusive code at Gaiam for 20% off one regular priced item.

Do you practice yoga and what benefits have you reaped?