The Physical Benefits of Yoga

A healthy back is fundamental to our overall well-being.

Our spine: 

• keeps us upright;

• allows us to move;

• houses and protects our central nervous system which controls every process in our bodies.

The spine is a critical central pillar that keeps our bodies upright and connects the entire body structurally (the top of the spine to the skull, the upper spine to the shoulders, arms and hands, the lower spine to the pelvis, legs and feet). All the forces, stresses and impacts we encounter come back to the spinal column. The spine therefore needs to be STRONG.

The spine has maximum strength when it is in alignment. Yoga teaches us to stand and hold ourselves in perfect alignment. An additional benefit of correct posture is that it takes pressure off our joints. By practicing yoga, standing, walking and sitting in an optimal way becomes natural, leading to a strong spine and less wear and tear on our hips, knees and ankles.

A bit of a contradiction, but as well as being strong, for best movement the spine needs to be FLEXIBLE.

Doing yoga allows us to move in ways that we may not do so in the normal course of our day. Ideally our back needs to move in 4 different ways (forwards, backwards, sideways and in a twisting motion). Yoga postures are designed to achieve this.

Practicing yoga can positively impact on our well-being by helping us to maintain a healthy spine so as not to experience back pain.

For people who already experience back pain practicing yoga can help. 85% of people who report back pain to a doctor do not receive a specific diagnosis. Most back pain is not due to any serious disease. Most back pain comes from the working parts of the back (the muscles, ligaments and small joints). The current medical opinion, based on extensive research, is that the back needs to move. Gentle movement is the essence of Dru Yoga. Worry and upset can often accompany back pain. The breathwork and guided relaxation included within Dru yoga classes can help to relax the mind, as well as the working parts of the back causing the pain. 

Whilst in yoga postures we are often using our own body weight. This strengthens muscles and bones. The benefits of which are that we can lift more, are less likely to break bones and can take part in a wider range of activities.

A good stretch will lengthen muscles and offset any tension from building muscle. For this reason, doing yoga is very complimentary to weight training and cardio exercise such as running. Flexible bodies are less likely to jar. The chances of pulling a muscle or putting the back out are reduced. And the ability to physically reach further is enhanced.

Yoga includes balancing postures. Being able to balance reduces the risk of falls and breaking bones. Studies show that how long we can balance is a predictor of how long and how healthily we will live. 

Using our breath is one of the quickest and easiest ways to ease stress.

In Dru yoga classes we combine mindful movement with the breath to create a moving meditation. By doing so our mind comes back to the present. It moves away from any negative thinking associated with “what was” and “what might be”. The magic really happens when we experience a “where was I” moment, when time is forgotten and a sense of calmness takes over. 

Regulating the breath is one of the most transferable skills that we can very quickly take off the yoga mat and into everyday life. No-one needs to know you are doing it!

Key is using the out breath to activate the parasympathetic part of the nervous system. That’s when the heart rate slows, blood pressure lowers and a feeling of calm is created.

Reducing stress improves our sleep, along with our digestive and immune systems.

By harnessing the power of the breath we can greatly improve our well-being and quality of life.

Somehow, very subtlety, yoga can work on our sense of self worth. 

Something as simple as standing tall can change our whole persona, taking us from feeling timid to feeling confident.

Practicing yoga works on creating an awareness of how our bodies work. Perhaps this converts to an appreciation of how complex our bodies are and what they allow us to do, which in turn sparks self compassion and not being so hard on ourselves.

Yoga brings like-minded people together., typically those that have a kind heart. Being around positive people can lift our mood and encourage us to grow.

Experiencing Dru Yoga is believing!