With confinement (and re-confinement) yoga has become one of the trendiest activities. Live courses have multiplied, democratizing this practice a little more. Goodbye prejudices, no it is not necessary to be very flexible or to have done ten years of gymnastics to be able to practice this discipline, yoga is accessible to all, from 3 to 101 years old (that’s not me who says it, but Tao Porchon-Lynchn , who practiced yoga until he was 101, just that!).

Recognized for its many benefits, yoga is more than a physical activity, it’s a way of life. So, if you are hesitating to get started, here are our top 5 reasons to start (or resume, it also works) yoga.

1. Take time for yourself

It may sound cliché, but taking time for yourself isn’t always an easy task. Between work, family life, home maintenance, obligations and other distractions, giving yourself a moment of break, JUST for yourself, can sometimes be difficult. By practicing yoga (even just once a week) you give yourself a moment of relaxation and rest. It is ideal for calming your body and mind., in order to set off again on the hats of wheels. It is also important to specify that you do not need to do sessions that last for hours to enjoy these benefits. Even a short session, between 15 and 30 min, is enough to feel the benefits. If you can, establish a morning routine, starting your day with 15 minutes of yoga. This allows you to wake up the body gently and start the day on the right foot. Yoga is therefore an ideal physical activity to recharge your batteries and enjoy a moment of well-being just for you!

2. Calm anxiety and stress

If you are often under pressure, or have trouble managing your stress, practicing yoga can only do you good. The key word in yoga is also “letting go”, as well as being in the present moment. Regular practice will help you clear your mind, put stress in the closet and manage to take a step back from events. Can’t get there yet? Do not panic, it takes time and is not easy. But it is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith, isn’t it? ;). Yoga will also act on your brain functions, your concentration will be boosted and your  mind calmed . This will therefore have a real impact on your daily life and you will feelthe benefits at any time of the day.

3. Better breathing

If there is one important thing in yoga, it is the breath . And I grant you, that’s not the most obvious thing. First of all, it will be a question of learning how to breathe well, then to make your movements coincide with your breathing. “Inhale-exhale” is one of the most important elements in your practice. It is a real job, which requires time and practice, but which is very beneficial. This will bring better oxygenation and a better breath during your physical efforts. If you practice running, for example, there is no doubt that you will see a difference! Namely, that a yoga session generally begins with breathing exercises (called Pranayama in Sanskrit) which are one of the fundamental elements in yoga.

4. A healthier physical body

Listing all the benefits of yoga on the human body would probably be too long, but some points deserve attention. First, you will improve your strength and tone your body. Thanks to specific postures, to be held for several moments, you will work your deep muscles in particular. Yoga improves muscular endurance and allows you to work your whole body. Also, if you have a tendency to be hunched over, practicing yoga will help you improve your posture by working on the flexibility of your back. As a result, you will naturally stand straighter. Obviously, you will gain in flexibility and you will be able, who knows, one day to succeed in doing the splits. Finally, a not insignificant element for sportsmen, youwill strengthen your joints , which will significantly reduce the risk of injury during your other sports activities. As you will have understood, yoga allows you to have a harmonious silhouette, in a strong
and healthy body.

5. A very good complement to other sports

Naturally all these benefits are extremely complementary to other sports . Yoga is perfect if you practice climbing , trail /running , skiing, fitness, swimming etc… In short, all sports in general! For sliding sports , for example, by working on different postures and your balance, you will gain in performance and precision. Yoga is also a very good muscle warm-up , if you practice very demanding sports. Similarly, a practice at the end of the session to soften and relax your muscles.

Bonuses. 6. Everyone Has Their Own Style

Well, since we couldn’t stop at 5, we’ve added an additional reason for you to take up yoga.
If you are reluctant to try because “yoga is not a sport” or “yoga is too soft for me”, then I give you an appointment for a session of Bikram Yoga and I’m sure you’ll change your mind!
What is good with yoga is that there is something for all styles and all desires. Soft with Hatha Yoga , dynamic with Vinyasa , engaging with Ashtanga , warm with Bikram Yoga or even Fly Yogafor the most original! In short, there is plenty of choice for everyone. Less athletic people will opt for gentle yoga, while the bravest will turn to dynamic yoga that will make you sweat every time.

So, in 2021 all to your mats, I’m sure you won’t regret it!

And to equip yourself, it’s on Chullanka.com or in one of our 4 Chullanka stores.