I Do Yoga!

Many "Do Yoga" as if it were a cure-all, but no fitness practice is a cure-all. However, all of the numerous forms of Yoga bring mental focus, flexibility, balance, and stress relief.
What it does and doesn't do:

• Yoga benefits the cardiovascular system and autonomic nervous system by inducing the relaxation response; however, a higher rate of sustained activity is needed for maximum benefit.
• Yoga builds strength and endurance by pitting body weight against muscle; however, weight training is generally more effective.
• Yoga promotes weight loss; however, even Power Yoga burns only about 237 calories in 50 minutes, about as much as power walking
• Yoga effectively promotes flexibility for full range of motion for everyday function
• Yoga effectively promotes muscle balance, to aid everyday function and to provide structural stabilization and integration
• Yoga can be incorporated into effective rehab and sport conditioning programs
• Yoga effectively reduces the stress response
• Yoga complements other programs, making them more effective, improving overall results.

Conclusions:

1. Select the Yoga form that emphasizes your critical fitness needs, as assessed by a certified professional (e.g. MD, physiotherapist, personal trainer)
2. Include Yoga as an important part of your fitness program - the benefits to daily function are highly desirable
3. Add a cardio component of significant, sustained activity
4. Add a strength component through resistance work
5. Select a certified Registered Yoga Trainer who can:
• Offer several Yoga approaches
• Incorporate yoga into your daily activities
• Adapt Yoga movements to your needs
• Motivate you to pursue your fitness goals