“Bend, but don’t break.”
Although this adage is sound advice for any aspect of life, Habib Chharawala wants you to apply this to your workout routine too.
Yoga is all about bending, stretching, and flexibility. Yet it goes much deeper. Yoga is a vital part of overall wellness. The practice has been proven to enhance physical, mental, and emotional health. In short, it boosts the body and mind, helping you to avoid any “breaking.”
And Habib Chharawala understands this more than most. For more than 27 years, the mechanical therapist has worked to improve the lives of others by providing medical and holistic treatments. Bruggemeyer’s Osteopathic Practice, his London-based practice, specializes in sports and stress-related injuries. But, he also knows prevention is always key.
For this reason, Habib Chharawala recommends nine reasons why yoga should be incorporated into your own wellness regime.
Increases flexibility
Added flexibility and balance is the benefit that’s most associated with yoga. Across all ages and demographics, practitioners see improvements when yoga is performed regularly. Just 15-30 minutes of daily yoga is sufficient to see results.
Builds strength
Lifting weights isn’t the only way to build muscle mass. The National Institutes of Health has published several studies linking yoga with higher levels of upper body strength and stamina. Weight loss is also another byproduct.
Aids posture
More muscles have additional benefits too. When combined with greater flexibility, yoga yields better posture and joint stability. In contrast, lifting weights isolates targeted muscle groups only. Yoga offers more balance.
Relieves pain
Yoga can also grant some much-needed relief. Basic stretching and fundamental poses help minimize lower back pain. Habib Chharawala has seen the most significant improvement in elderly patients. Older yoga practitioners report less severe symptoms of chronic pain, such as tendonitis and arthritis.
Reduces anxiety and stress
Despite the physical benefits, yoga is much more mental than anything else. It fosters relaxation through controlled breathing, meditation, and self-reflection. Yet this peacefulness isn’t just a state of mind. Research suggests that individuals who perform yoga actually produce fewer stress hormones than non-practitioners.
Improves sleep
More rest is always a premium. As Habib Chharawala points out, inadequate sleep has been tied to serious health concerns, including depression. After exercise, yoga practitioners are more relaxed, fall asleep quicker, and sleep deeper. All this leads to feeling more rested and having greater energy throughout the day.
Boosts heart health
Any exercise is good for heart health. However, yoga goes beyond. Experienced yoga enthusiasts typically exhibit lower blood pressure and pulse rates. These are strong indicators for lowering the risk of future heart disease.
Adds to a healthy lifestyle
Yoga can be a part of healthy living, but it can also be a catalyst. Yoga teaches mindfulness. Added awareness breeds better eating habits and healthier choices overall. Eating less and moving more are the prime ingredients for a balanced, active lifestyle.
Connects to a community
Yoga is always practiced in a welcoming, supportive environment. In fact, avoiding harm and honesty are pillars of the practice. Whether it’s in one-on-one sessions or during group classes, a community is created that embraces everyone and provides needed emotional connections.
