Yoga is a practice that has been around for over 5000 years. While the main focus of Yoga is to bring together the mind and body, people take up the practice of yoga for many reasons. For some it's to deal with stress and anxiety, for others it is to aid in the recovery from an injury, for another group it might simply be to add movement into their life. Whatever the reason for taking up yoga, there seems to be a benefit for everyone! Here are some physical and mental benefits of an ongoing yoga practice...

Physical Benefits From Yoga

• An increase in flexibility and balance
• Protection from injury
• Increase in muscle strength and tone
• Improved athletic performance
• Increase in energy
• Helps to keep a balanced metabolism
• Can aid in weight loss
• Helps with correct posture
• Increase bone strength
• Help to aid lymphatic drainage
• Potential to reduce inflammation within the body
• Improved sleep quality 
• Migraine relief

Mental Benefits From Yoga

• Can help manage stress, relieve anxiety and potentially fight depression by decreasing the bodies stress hormone cortisol 
• Help with mental clarity
• Increase a persons sense of calm
• Improve coping skills
• Increase positivity
• Encourages mindfulness
• Improves quality of life 

There have been several scientific studies that have supported many of these benefits. Adding in a yoga class into your weekly routine could create a positive change in your health both mentally and physically!