Hello; I hope you are all well. It’s not been an easy couple of years, has it? How glad we are that happy days are here again: it’s now a year since the beginning of the end of restrictions when shops, salons, cafés, and pubs started to serve (and get the chance to survive) once more.
How Have You Been?
How did YOU use your lockdown? Did you start a new hobby, work on your fitness, learn a new skill, or declutter your home? No? Or like so many of us did you become stressed, anxious, despondent, or even depressed? Dare I say it, did you even come out the other side a little out of condition? Don’t beat yourself up about it. You are FAR from the only one. Everyone started out with the best intentions but as time went on and the goalposts kept moving it was hard, wasn’t it? Almost as though they kept turning off the light at the end of the tunnel. And then hiding the switch.
So, I repeat, don’t beat yourself up. But DO start to make some healthy changes. It really isn’t too late.
The Beauty of Yoga
Therein lies the beauty of Yoga. It is NEVER too late to start, and, if you know me or have been to my classes or browsed my website, you’ll know I speak from experience:
“I came to Yoga relatively late in life; so, when I say it’s never too late, I speak from experience. Fitness, health, and wellbeing have always been my passion then one day, on my personal trainer’s recommendation, I tried Yoga and was hooked. I became inspired by – and immersed in – the knowledge and practise of Yoga. I soon learnt that Yoga isn’t some sort of soft option; but that it really benefits mental health, too… I was widowed ten years ago, so life changed dramatically. Whilst the physical aspect of Yoga is a great workout for the whole body, I found that the meditation aspect really helped me through my bereavement.
As a, let’s say mature, lady, who’s been through some tough times, I can help you practise Yoga to improve your life. Let Yoga help with YOUR physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing”
And do you know what? You DESERVE to look after yourself. You deserve to work on your fitness and flexibility. You deserve to feel BETTER. Whatever your fitness level, whatever your level of experience in Yoga, regular practice can help you feel better in every way.
The VERY Many Benefits of Yoga
There are well-documented physical AND mental wellbeing benefits. Even if you’re ill or just under the weather, post-operative, or coping with a chronic ailment, yoga can be included as you undergo treatment. Yoga may even help you heal faster. Together, we can customise yoga movements, sessions and plans bespoke to your level, your fitness, and your health. With small friendly group sessions (or perhaps one-to-one at first, if you’d prefer) we can get you moving. And moving BETTER.
There has been plenty of research into the benefits Yoga brings as any google search will prove, and there’s already a blog on my website going into more detail. However, here’s a few to be going on with:
- Yoga can help you get stronger, more flexible and improve balance.
Yoga’s deliberate, low-impact movements and deep breathing can help to improve blood circulation and warm-up the muscles. Holding the yoga pose helps to increase strength and improve balance.
- Yoga can help alleviate back ache.
Yoga asanas are as useful as stretching for reducing pain and increasing mobility for those suffering lower back pain. Many doctors will recommend Yoga for back pain.
- Yoga may help arthritis.
Research has shown that yoga can help ease some of the soreness of painful, inflamed joints in those struggling with arthritis.
- Yoga is good for the heart.
Regular yoga can help ease stress and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to cardiac health. Yoga can also be helpful in lowering blood pressure and as part of an exercise programme for weight loss. Both hypertension and obesity are high cardiac risks.
- Yoga can help against insomnia
Regular yoga, including a bedtime yoga routine can help prepare the body for sleep and help with a restful night.
- Yoga can lift mood and increase energy.
Regular yoga practise can contribute to improved physical energy, better mood and more alertness and enthusiasm. It can even help banish negative thoughts.
- Yoga helps reduce stress.
Research has begun to show that yoga can help manage stress (another risk factor for heart disease) as well as help support mindfulness, healthy eating and weight loss and contribute to better sleep, all of which can ease stress too.
- Yoga can help you make friends and find support groups.
Joining any classes – or even one-to-one sessions – can reduce loneliness and provide a community of like-minded individuals. Simply spending time do something for oneself, and meeting others in a totally accepting and non-judgmental space can be incredibly beneficial. When such classes are my Yoga classes, the benefits are many.
Time to Try Yoga
The benefits really ARE many. Countless studies seem to prove that yoga can be helpful in arthritis, osteoporosis, menstrual or menopause problems, pregnancy, chronic pain and so much more. And you don’t need to just take my word for it – although I’ve never felt better – but do a little research, ask around. The NHS says: “regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress.”
TRY Yoga for yourself. I’d love to meet you and introduce you to the life-changing effect Yoga can have – and HAS had for so many people.