As I was reading through the RPAC news this week, I came across the following blurb.
Yoga As You Are 2014
Whether you’re in work clothes, school clothes or workout gear, come to Yoga As You Are, held Wednesdays, from 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. in Dance Room 1 at the Ohio Union. Classes go through Wednesday, April 23. Sticky mats are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Now, to be honest, I have not done much yoga. It sounds very zen and all and I expect that it is very good for me, but just not something that I’ve gotten into. Probably that’s because I’ve always harbored fears that I’ll either 1. fall asleep while meditating or 2. Get stuck in one of those pretzel -type poses they do.
But, being one to keep an open mind, when I saw the blurb above, I did a bit of research to try and find out what sorts of health benefits yoga offers. Here is what I found:
- Increase Flexibility: One study showed that after just 8 weeks of yoga participants improved their flexibility by up to 35%.
- Boost Immunity: A Norwegian study found that yoga boosts immunity at the cellular level. They found that these changes occur while still on the mat – much more so than a control group that went on a nature hike while listening to soothing music.
- Ease Migraines: Research shows that after just 3 months of yoga practice, migraine suffers can expect fewer and less painful migraines.
- Better Sleep: A Harvard Study found that 8 weeks of daily yoga significantly improved sleep quality for people with insomnia.
- Fight Food Cravings: Researchers from the University of Washington found that regular yoga practice strengthens the mind-body connection which in turn helps you to tune in to the emotions associated with certain cravings.
Some pretty impressive benefits. Perhaps I’ll head over the Union this week and give that yoga class a try.
Submitted by Tina Comston, M.Ed.
Information above found at the following sites: