Yoga has proven benefits

Get your leotard and spandex ready ladies and gents-it’s time for a little something called yoga. A sage named Yogi Swatmarama introduced yoga to India in the fifteenth century. Yet, it was not until recent years that yoga hit mainstream America. Recently, yoga has become an acceptable form of exercise for men.Yoga is quickly catching wind in its sails quickly for a reason; it works. It not only helps improve flexibility but also serves to lubricate the joints, tone your muscles, and even relax your mind. However, people are still hesitant about trying it out despite the torrent of research data proving yoga’s benefits. Some men think it is a feminine exercise, and women might be weary of trying an exercise where you’re not moving around like crazy.Intimidation also keeps both sexes away. After all, some of the poses (asanas) can seem impossible for a beginner, and not all of us look good in spandex (an all too common clothing item in some Yoga studios). Yet, in spite of the concerns, the benefits are great.Yoga helps improve flexibility, but being flexible isn’t just about touching your toes. Sure, being able to is awesome; however, it also means that your joints will work smoothly and allow for a further range of motion without added stress on the tissue around the joints. It’s also essential for preventing injuries and the rehabilitation of injuries. Flexibility also helps your posture, which always looks good no matter who you are. Another benefit is that yoga tightens up muscles. Flaccid and weak muscles become stimulated during a yoga workout and are stretched; thus, when the workout is over and the muscles are recovering from the stress they’ve been under, they tighten up. Over time, this leads to a toned physique. Perhaps most notably to college students, yoga relaxes and clears your mind. It has been proven that exercise causes the release of certain endorphins into your bloodstream, which provide a slight feel of euphoria. Weight lifters call it “the pump.” Runners call it the “runners high.” Many yoga classes include group breathing and humming-this is said to clear one’s head and relax the body as well. I encourage you to try this new craze. Still, I know it’s hard to try something new sometimes, especially something as unfamiliar as yoga. So, I’m going to list a few things that you should know about yoga. 1. YOGA is not a cult: Yoga is by origin an Indian tradition, and because of this, it is rich in Sanskrit terms and Buddhist or Hindi idols. You shouldn’t let these things spook you, though; Yoga is more of a science than it is a religion or cult. Open your mind and focus rather than let wheezing in the room affect your Zen. 2. You need to dress for yoga: Now, I’m not saying you need to go buy cute new capri’s or a new Underarmour workout shirt, but clothes that are tighter help the instructor view and correct your body positioning, giving you a better work out and a better understanding of what you’re doing. 3. The front row is for squares: Well, not really. But if you’re a beginner, you should sit in the second row or farther so you can observe what the other students and the instructor are doing. Seeing other people could help you correct your form on certain poses.