The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a unique experience for each individual, and the benefits are diverse. I am always delighted to learn how yoga affects different aspects of my students' lives.

Starting with the obvious, yoga increases flexibility and strength while toning the body. One of my students recently moved up North. Missing her regular classes, she wrote to say, "When I stopped doing yoga I felt my body getting all mushy again."

Yoga works on many different levels physically. The postures actually eliminate toxins from the body, and people with lower back ache caused by a lack of exercise usually find that by strengthening the body - especially the abdominal muscles - lower back ache disappears.

One student who is 71 practices yoga a few times a week. It is truly inspiring to see her doing all of the postures like a 20-year-old. Through stretching, she has maintained her height-almost unheard of for women her age.

Working the Mind and Body

Unlike other forms of exercise, which work the body and let the mind wander, in yoga we join the body and mind through deep abdominal breathing. The deep breathing brings fresh oxygen to the blood, slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. By letting go of the thoughts of our day, we start training the mind to be more focused on the present moment, thus developing concentration. We don't try to eliminate thoughts; rather, we are a witness to them. We strive to let go of the judging mind and move towards accepting ourselves and our bodies. Over time, we learn to bring the mind into an even more focused state, similar to that of meditation, for most of the class.

Energy

With Sivananda yoga, the postures are always done in the same sequence: starting with the crown chakra on top of the head, then heading down to the root chakra at the base of the spine, each works on opening an energy center or chakra. This process, combined with specific breathing and relaxation exercises, balances the whole body. At the end of the class you'll feel the "yoga buzz", which one of my students compares to having two Martinis.

Yoga leaves us feeling energized and relaxed so it is great for insomnia. Almost all students claim to sleep soundly on the days that they practice.

Even our loved ones benefit when we practice yoga. One student used to take Tai-Bo classes on one night of the week and yoga on another. She felt aggressive after Tai Bo, but her husband said he loved yoga nights because she would come home so relaxed he knew they would be spending a wonderful evening together!

In general, people practicing yoga are said to be happier.

Biking and Networking

I hope you've had a fabulous summer. I've always loved biking so this year I joined the Beaconsfield Cycling Club. Most Sundays, we cycle for around 100km off the island or further afield. Great fun!

I have also rejoined Business Network International (BNI). It's a fun and effective way to network and increase business. If you are looking for anything from a jeweler to a 2nd hand laptop to a weekend spa getaway, let me know. The 34 members in my chapter offer a full array of services and are experts in their field.

I look forward to seeing you!

Sue-Anne