Yoga benefits the body, mind and all of you

By Jennifer Baeskens |Staff Writer|

Yoga is an evolving exercise that can benefit everyone. Once you find a yoga style that fits you, you will be able to experience the life-changing qualities of this ancient practice.
There are many benefits and styles of yoga.
One of the key aspects of yoga is to balance the body.
“Yoga is a union of the mind, body and spirit, ” said Jackie Sullivan, a Yoga instructor at CSUSB, “ yoga eases stress and helps us becoming joined with our bodies.”
Yoga helps increase a person’s strength, flexibility and respiratory capacity through different poses and breath work practiced during yoga.
Sullivan added that yoga can also help decrease blood pressure, decrease blood sugar and help organs be more efficient.
Yoga can also help a person lose weight and develop healthy habits.
Yoga doesn’t only have physical benefits, it also has many benefits to exercise the mind.
According to Sullivan, students who participate in yoga are able to concentrate better during classes.
Many strive for a more positive life. According to Sullivan, yoga can help people develop a more positive lifestyle through different poses and meditation.
Yoga allows us to check in with ourselves and find inner peace.
People who practice yoga are also less likely to have anxiety and negative thoughts.
According to The American Yoga Association, “Yoga helps you to access an inner strength that allows you to face the sometimes-overwhelming fears, frustrations, and challenges of everyday life.”
Many people may not know the correct type of yoga they should be doing.
It is recommended that you try as many different types of yoga that you can until you find the one that works best for you.
One type of yoga that people practice is a vinyasa style yoga, which includes flowing posture poses with rhythmic breathing exercises.
Another type of yoga is power yoga, which is a rigorous strength training and flexibility workout with constant movement.
It is recommended that if you are younger, you should be practicing a more strength-inducing yoga that will help with strength and flexibility.
In the morning, people should practice more of a power yoga, which will give you energy throughout the day. In the evening, those who wish to practice yoga should practice a slower, more calming type that will help you go to sleep.
According to Self, a health website, “Insomniacs fell asleep 15 minutes faster and slept an hour longer each night after two months of doing a 45-minute series of yoga poses daily before bed.”
“I really enjoy yoga after full body work outs,” said CSUSB student Shelby McCliman.
“I find it relaxing and I think it is good to take time and relax your mind and worry about nothing.”
Students who wish to balance their mind, body and spirit can practice or learn about yoga at CSUSB.
They can check the Rec Center and the Kinesiology department for class options.