Stretching is a vital part of taking care of your health. Regular stretching may help you prevent muscle tears, improve your athletic prowess, and make moving about easier as you age. Stretching can also help you relax and become more mobile. However, the only way to receive these benefits is by avoiding these five common stretching mistakes.

Not Warming Up Before the Warm-Up

Some people make the mistake of using stretching as their version of a warm-up. While that can be somewhat beneficial, you should always begin the regimen with some very light dynamic movements that allow you to stretch more effectively. 

A pre-stretching routine can relax your muscles and increase the blood flow throughout your body, allowing you to be nimble. These true warm-up movements shouldn’t be excessive, as anything light, such as a jog or some easy calisthenics, will suffice. 

Sweating the Technique

When you stretch and feel the strain in your muscles, it’s easy to assume everything is going according to plan. However, bad technique and improper form can hinder any stretching session. 

It’s never OK to stretch in ways that hurt. A muscle tear may occur if the person stretches too far or uses too much force. A stretch may make you feel awkward, but you shouldn’t have to tough it out to finish or hold the movement. Don’t overextend yourself; work within your body’s comfortable range of motion. If you feel muscular stiffness in a specific location, repeat the stretching process many times without increasing the intensity.

Holding Your Breath

Overexerting ourselves while using wooden stall bars to stretch may lead many of us to hold our breath subconsciously. Any stretch that pushes you past your comfort zone may cause you to do just that. However, conscious breathing is part of the reason stretching benefits your health.

Breathing improves circulation and brings oxygen to working muscles. Taking slow, deep breaths through the nose while you stretch can help your muscles release tension and promote movement. Otherwise, stiff muscles could be in your future.

A Bad Bounce 

Another bad habit that some might do without even realizing it is bouncing while they stretch. Too much bouncing when stretching might cause muscular strain. Because of the added impact, the muscle may contract to avoid further injury, negating the benefits of the stretch. Bouncing when stretching is your body’s way of telling you that you’re going too far. 

Instead, stretch into it slowly rather than bouncing. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, then release and repeat. 

Pushing Yourself Too Far 

You’ll want to take it easy to avoid making existing aches worse. If you’ve recently strained a muscle, it’s best to stop what you’re doing and rest. The tissue is most vulnerable, and any additional movement might cause severe injury and agony.

It’s acceptable to stretch the strained muscle just after the injury happened, and it may even help alleviate some of the discomfort if you stretch gently. Stop stretching immediately if you feel any severe discomfort. Meanwhile, if you suspect a tear is possible, do not attempt anything constituting a stretching motion because you could do additional damage. 

Avoiding these five common stretching mistakes everyone ensures that your muscles remain strong and, more importantly, intact. Incorporating proper stretching in any workout routine can pay dividends, giving you a leg up to set new personal records. 

You May Also Like:

The post 5 Common Stretching Mistakes You Could be Making appeared first on FitNish.com.

This is a short mobility yoga flow that I do every now and again. I like it because all the yoga poses flow really well. You can extend it as you like and change up the timing and holds as you progress.

• The 1st set, flow through each pose, not holding each for too long. Focus on the movement and transition between poses.
• 2nd set, we flow through the same poses but holding each pose for +-20-30 seconds (which can be extended).

You May Also Like:

The post QUICK DYNAMIC & STATIC MOBILITY YOGA FLOW appeared first on FitNish.com.

People who spend most of their day bent over a computer recognize how uncomfortable shoulder tension can be. With the work-from-home model as the norm these days, it’s not strange to catch yourself in a poor sitting posture. If you add the time spent driving to the mix, you end up bearing a lot of weight on your neck and shoulders. Bad posture causes the chest to tighten and the shoulder muscles to compress, which can cause pain and tightness in the region. 

Sometimes, intense workouts can add tension to your shoulders, so be sure to add some stretching to your routine if you feel this. Other exercises can relieve shoulder tension, especially if it comes from poor posture. Since the shoulder muscles are flexible, stretching exercises can loosen the joints and eliminate the discomfort. However, if you feel sharp pain, that could be a sign of injury, and you should speak to your Doctor or a physiotherapy clinic immediately. 

Add some of these exercises to help relieve shoulder tension. 

Cross-Body Stretch 

The cross-body stretch increases the range of motion in your shoulder joints and surrounding muscles. Pay attention to any sensation and lower your arms if you feel pain in your shoulder. Standing tall, start by bringing your right arm across your chest. Support the elbow with your right arm and hold this position for up to one minute. Repeat the same process on the left hand and do each side five times.

Upper Neck Stretch

This workout stretches the upper neck muscles and relieves tension in the shoulder region. Sitting tall, place your left hand on your lower back with your right hand on the opposite side of your head. Looking forward, pull your neck towards your right shoulder until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on your left shoulder.

Spinal Rotation Stretch 

Since the spine connects the head to other parts of the body, tightness on the shoulder also creates discomfort in this region. The spine rotation stretch focuses on the spinal joints between the neck and abdomen. Go on all fours and tuck your hands under your shoulders and legs/knees under your hips. 

Ensure to engage your core and keep the back flat. Start by placing your left hand behind your ears, pointing the elbow at a sharp angle. Rotate your head and shoulder in the opposite direction and reverse the motion, pointing your elbow inwards. Hold for a few seconds and repeat the cycle on your left hand.

Child’s Pose 

The child’s pose is a popular yoga pose known for opening a tight chest and stretching the tense neck, back, and shoulder and even leg muscles. Support your forehead and neck with a cushion. Start on the floor with your knees hip-width apart and place your hands on the floor.  Next, shift your weight backward until you sit on your heels. Rest your head on a cushion and stretch your arms in front of you, hold for up to one minute. Hold the position and repeat five times.

Downward Dog 

The downward dog pose is another yoga pose that strengthens the back, thigh, and shoulder muscles and is great for hamstring flexibility. Staying on your hands and knees, lift your hips above you, keeping your back flat. Spread your arms wide and push them into the floor. Straighten your legs as much as you can and bend your knees if you feel discomfort. Ensure there’s no tension in your neck and let your head hang between your neck and shoulders. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. 

Thread The Needle

Think of this workout as a fun game of threading an imaginary needle with your hands. It stretches the muscles surrounding your chest, neck, and shoulders. On your knees on all fours, keep your hands under your shoulders so that your back remains flat. With your right palms facing up, reach underneath your left arm and across your body. Gently bend your elbow as you lean on your right side until you feel a stretch in your back. Hold for a few seconds and repeat on your left side.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUgpTL9rtuE/

Eagle Arm Rolls 

You might feel some pressure while doing this exercise if you lack arm strength. Grab your opposite shoulders instead if you feel pain. In a sitting position, keep your fingers pointed and extend your arms to the side. Bring them forward, crossing your right elbow over the left. Bending the elbows, use your right hand to bring both palms together. Roll your spine forward as you move your hands. Keep this position for 15 seconds and repeat all the steps with your left elbow on the top.

Shoulder Circles

You can do this stretch after working out or when you return from work. It helps increase the range of motion in your shoulder joints and just feels good. Unlike other entries on this list, you’ll need a chair for this exercise. With your right hand hanging loosely, hold on to the back of the chair with your left hand. Circle your left hand five times in a clockwise motion and repeat in the opposite direction. Switch positions and circle your right hand in the same way. 

You May Also Like:

The post 8 Simple Exercises/Stretches for Relieving Shoulder Tension appeared first on FitNish.com.

Josh from Strength Side shows 2 great bodyweight leg movements that can be added to your workout for building strong and resilient legs, while also improving your mobility!

“Bust through your leg plateaus and get BOTH of your legs strong and resilient. You don’t need weights, you can still make your legs strong, defined, and healthy with just your body weight! Get your hips and knees flexible as well. If you are looking for an increased range of motion, these moves and exercises will get you there. Don’t let the fitness industry convince you that you can’t make gains without weights, barbells, kettlebells, etc. If you want to build really strong and athletic legs, use these movements!

These two movements are both a great foundation for all other exercises.”

Bodyweight Leg Exercises that work STRENGTH & MOBILITY by strength side

OPEN YOUR HIPS deep with the pancake

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Strength Side (@thestrengthside)

Learn how to stretch your hips and hamstrings by using the pancake stretch. The progressions in the video gives you the right way to progress from beginners to more advanced athletes.

Want to master the pancake? Here are some tips that will help you achieve this move safely and effectively! Trevor demonstrates 3 moves just for you. Hips and hamstrings are key to this move so be sure that you stretch and open them up. Don’t round your back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Trevor Hash (@thetrevorhash)

You May Also Like:

The post A Couple Of Great Bodyweight Leg Exercises That work Both Strength And Mobility appeared first on FitNish.com.

Nina Strojnik is from Slovenia, and helps others improve their flexibility and get stronger with body weight exercises. She is super flexible and has amazing core and muscle strength. Have a look at some of her videos below and hopefully you can take away a few useful tips from her!

A bit about Nina

Nina is 26 years old, from Slovenia. When she was younger  she trained in rhythmic gymnastics, so flexibility has always been a big part of her life. She tried and tested many different methods of stretching and found her own way of teaching and helping others to get more flexible. Nina studied Kinesiology.

Tight Hamstrings

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD_rKnyABLN/

Dragon flag tips

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD9FyMEAFUS/

Core training on rings

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6athwAVBW/

Hip flexors

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD31_K3A_iB/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3labAg19B/

Splits

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD1ZPQtgtNu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_WBLjg4KV/

Press to handstand

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDys5ubgRJ-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDoemEEAKD8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0-N2uApi3/

Shoulder warm up

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtpx1DAR9_/

Handstand

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMGe1OgpAi/

You May Also Like:

The post Nina Strojnik Motivation, Flexibility And Strength Tips! appeared first on FitNish.com.

The practice of regular yoga has many health benefits. It makes you feel better about you and your body but more importantly, it makes you healthy and more confident. Yoga makes you more flexible and relieves the stresses of your muscles. It tones your muscles and reduces mental stress as well as physical stresses. 

What yoga can and can’t do

Doing any type of yoga will increase strength, yes, but studies have been done that clearly show that yoga doesn’t increase your heart rate enough to lose weight. To lose weight, you need to eat healthy and burn calories along with yoga. Do exercises that regularly increase your heart rate. If weight loss is the main objective of yours, combine yoga with walking, running or any other aerobic exercise. Although weight loss can be simplified using the calorie in versus calorie burned equation, it takes much more to successfully change your habits so that healthier choices are second nature. Yoga practice encourages a healthier lifestyle and can help that. 

Adding yoga with exercise 

If you add yoga to an exercise routine that includes cardiovascular exercises to burn calories, you will see faster and longer-lasting weight loss results. Yoga helps improve your body, improve your self-image, and your feeling of well-being.

Reducing stress, and therefore eating stress, is another way that yoga can help you lose weight. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, consistent yoga practice increases the likelihood that you will maintain your weight loss. Perhaps most importantly, yoga’s focus on listening to your body first may be a welcome change for people who have had trouble losing weight in the past.

Burning calories through yoga

Although yoga is not traditionally considered an aerobic exercise, there are certain types of yoga that are more physically demanding than others. Active and intense yoga styles help burn more calories. This can help prevent weight gain.

Power yoga, ashtanga, and vinyasa are examples of more physical types of yoga. Vinyasa and power yoga are usually offered in the most popular yoga studios. These types of yoga allow you to move almost constantly, helping you burn calories. 

The practice of yoga can also help you develop muscle tone and improve your metabolism. Although restorative yoga is not a particularly physical type of yoga, it does help you lose weight. Restorative yoga has been shown to be effective in helping overweight women lose weight, including abdominal fat, according to research. These results are particularly promising for people whose body weight can interfere with the most vigorous forms of yoga. A review of the 2013 study found that yoga is a promising way to help with behavior change, weight loss, and maintenance, burn calories, increase focus and reduce stress. These factors can help reduce food intake and raise awareness of the effects of overeating.

The steps you should take before getting into yoga

You should first educate yourself on the different types of yoga.

• Vinyasa.
• Ashtanga.
• Iyengar. 
• Kundalini. 
• Bikram.
• Jivamukti. 
• Yin/Restorative.

Just to name a few, each of the different varieties of yoga has its own focuses in terms of self-development. It’s important to know the difference between some of the common ones because they require you to dress differently.

Yoga is still pretty much dominated by women however many men (and more and more men nowadays) also like to do yoga. Since yoga puts emphasis on relaxation and proper breathing, dressing correctly is of great significance. Specifically designed yoga wear for women provides women with the option of choice, design, and variety for their yoga outfits just to add that extra bit of personality and style. 

You May Also Like:

The post How Yoga Can Help You Lose Weight appeared first on FitNish.com.

Dr. Jen Esquer, PT, DPT, is a Top 40 Physical Therapy Influencer and your personal online physical therapist. Over the years, she has built an audience with more than a 1/2 million followers through viral videos with millions of views helping people move out of pain and back into their bodies.

With social media full of selfies and a lot of redundant pictures and information, there are some accounts that really share some incredible and helpful things, such as Jen Esquer. If you workout and you are not following her, you really ought to be! She shares some incredible tips and exercises on how to become more mobile, flexible and how to reduce pain and avoid/treat certain injuries. Enough talk, check out some of her posts full of knowledge below!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0byOQIDTh2/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8scw2mDJd6/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8U0zsdlWZu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8nJXA_jQdy/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8dBmFhDFlo/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8aeI2DDNfG/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NjjQ8DVvY/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8K-xHgjDBI/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ADRV3Da6z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B74-YNAjhdJ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uA8Aijfe5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7phArmjy-n/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7m7x2eDXNO/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7U6n1FjWJR/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7C48LzD3h5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FdvfnD7dq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64RnzejOam/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B45yAwWDkcp/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4eGTx_jUfM/

You May Also Like:

The post Mobility And Moving Motivation With Dr. Jen Esquer! appeared first on FitNish.com.

The word yoga means that it is a combined form of mind and body practice. Yoga is of different types, and discipline must be followed while one is doing yoga. The word flexibility means that the person must have the capability to bend easily.

This means that the person bends without breaking their body parts which means without folding the leg or hand. Flexibility can be both advantageous and disadvantageous in Yoga.

The advantage is that it prevents pain in the back and also prevents injuries occurred due to sports or any other kind of work. The disadvantage is that when a person possesses more flexibility from before they can become overconfident. The person then starts to perform asanas or postures which are quite difficult, which one is not supposed to do at the beginning. The person doing yoga must start practicing the basic postures and then gradually move on to the more advanced and difficult ones.

People think that those lacking flexibility are unable to do yoga. This I would say is a common misconception about yoga by people. If they practice yoga daily then flexibility would gradually increase. Fitness also gets enhanced through it.

If you are unable to move your shoulders, hips, or hands properly then yoga is the best option to improve yourself. Flexibility is part of physical fitness. It helps to gain energy and decrease tiredness in the body. Yoga for flexibility is also advantageous for the mental health of our body. It releases stress and makes you feel relaxed.

Many yoga poses will make the person more flexible. It is important to note that the yoga postures or asanas that will help us in increasing flexibility will have to be practiced regularly.

The 9 Best Yoga Poses To Be More Flexible:

1. Supta Padangusthasana

This posture or asana is also known as ‘reclined hand to big toe pose’. A person requires a strap which is used for yoga purpose. If one does not have a strap then he or she can use a belt to do the posture. In this posture, a person should keep his or her leg straight. They must try to straighten their legs as much as they can.

First, a person must lie down on his or her back with bending their knees and both the feet on the floor. Then one’s right knee should be hugged in toward his or her chest. A yoga strap must be present around the instep. Following that the right leg should be extended and straightened up towards the ceiling that is upwards.

After that, if one wants then he or she can extend the left leg. A hand must be kept on the thigh on the left that helps to keep the hip flat on the mat which is used in yoga purpose. One should keep this in mind that the right femur, as well as the right humerus of the hand, must be placed in sockets. The similar steps are being followed by the left leg after five to ten breaths when doing with right leg.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYEMUBVBg0C/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9agtZledp/

2. Sucirandhrasana

This pose is done to stretch the flexors of the hip in a very calm or in a gentle manner at first. Then this same process is done more deeply to increase flexibility.

First, a person must lie on his or her back and then put the feet on the floor. After that, the ankle at the right is placed on the top of the left thigh. The knee on the right should be opened to the right too. Then gradually the left foot is tried to bring towards the chest. Following that, the left knee is drawn closer to the chest. The help of the right elbow can also be needed to nudge the knee away from the chest. After that, the activation of both the feet cannot be stopped. Then legs are allowed to attain relaxation after five to ten breathes.

3. Adho Mukha Svanasana

This asana is also known as ‘downward facing dog’. This good is beneficial for everything. First, the knees are slightly kept behind the hips. Then one should try to come towards his or her own hands and knees. After that knees are to be lifted from the ground and then toes are being curled. Following that the legs are straightened to rise upward i.e. towards the ceiling. One foot must be pedalled at a time. Then settle with the posture for five breaths and then the body must be released. One should maintain the body posture while doing the asana that is in V-shaped format.

4. Anjaneyasana

This asana is also known as ‘crescent lunge’. First, the right foot is brought forward and then kept inside the right hand. The foot can be made help to the front. Then the knee to the left is lowered in the mat. Following that breath in while lifting the arms upward. They must be reached upward. Consecutively, shoulders must be moved down. If one wants to do a deeper stretch of the hip then the knee to the right is kept ahead of a little. Lastly, a person should be in the final posture for three to five breathes before relaxing.

5. Parsvottanasana

This asana is also known as ‘pyramid pose’. Props are necessary for doing this asana. This should be kept in mind that both points of the hip will be faced in front of the mat in this asana.

In this posture, one should step the right foot out and kept it inside the right hand. Then the left foot is stepped out. Following that the left heel must be lowered so that the toes are rotated to about 45 degrees. After that, the legs are straightened when hips are lifted. This process is repeated by increasing the exhales and inhales for about 5 breathe. Then do the same thing with the other side.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2j40J4nzZb/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MRXKrnHgv/

6. Ardha chandrasana

This posture is also known as half-moon pose. It is essential to learn how to balance our body. First, the foot on the right is stepped out and moved inside the right hand. The knee in the right should be kept easy when the right hand is kept forward of about 5 to 10 inches. Then the left hand is brought to the left hip. Then the foot is lifted upwards from the ground. The left hip is stacked over the right hip. Then the left leg is raised parallel to the floor. Following that the left arm is being lifted. The other side is being tried after around 5 breathes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3FTKqlH5cu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6N6cp8AHXI/

7. Malasana

This posture is also known as ‘garland pose’. This posture is done on a mat which is used in yoga. First, the feet must be kept 12 inches apart and then must stand in front of the mat. After that toes are turned and both the knees are bent to acquire the posture or position. Following that the elbows are brought inside the knees. Utilise elbows to keep the knees in position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TfRSlpZad/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8L_eWUHt2O/

8. Ardha Matsyendrasana

This posture is beneficial for our rib cage which is present in front of the body and also the back of the body i.e. the spinal cord.

First, we should sit with legs crossed and then the right leg is brought outside from the left thigh. Following that breath in with both arms raised and then exhale when twisting to the right. The spinal cord should be kept stretched and both the arms are held behind the head. One must release the body after 5 to 10 breathes and must try to do the other side.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-YA8VDkeY/

9. Gomukhasana

‘Cow face pose’ is another name of this asana. This is slightly different from the postures that are being done by the practitioners. First, one must be seated. Then right knee is kept on top of the left knee which is kept in the mid of feet. After that, the right arm is being lifted upwards and elbow is bend so that the hand is present behind the head of the person. The left arm is again kept back in the same process. The elbows are brought behind the head and tried to join. After 5 to 10 breathes the sides are reversed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BymMkr4lYNZ/

These are the yoga poses that help the practitioner to become more flexible and fit enough to lead a better life. It also increases the confidence of the person and reduces stress and even anxiety.

Author bio

Vivek Roy is an enthusiastic Yoga blogger and Traveller from India. He has done yoga classes in india. He loves to travel and share the knowledge of yoga around the world. For more information about him visit his website Vedic Yoga.

You May Also Like:

The post Yoga For Flexibility: 9 Best Yoga Poses To Become More Flexible appeared first on FitNish.com.

I have watched almost every stretching and flexibility video on you tube and read every single one of those articles titled: Top 10 best stretches for the splits, or Stretches to get your splits in one day/week/month.

They’re all misleading. If you are not very flexible and you are not a young child, the splits will take time, even years.

Yes sure, some of the articles show you a number of good stretches to help with your routine but do not fall for all those click bait titles thinking there is some particular stretch or technique that will get your splits in a day after doing them. Be prepared for a journey and probably a long one that will be painful at times (most times, but a nice painful :p ).

Anyway, another piece of stretching advice that I always come across and want to quickly touch on, is the infamous ‘stretch everyday‘ advice. So many articles and videos advise that you need to stretch everyday in order to become more and more flexible. While this may be decent advice, more context is hardly ever given along with it to clarify a few things.

For example, these factors should be taken into account:

• How intense is your stretching.
• How long are you stretching.
• How is your eating/sleeping/recovery time. 

You also need to first distinguish why you are stretching. Is it just to keep nimble and relatively flexible while adding in a nice relaxing cool down after your workout, or is it to get the splits or pancake stretch. If it’s the latter then this article is for you. If you just want to keep nimble then doing a few stretches for a few minutes everyday is great and will certainly benefit you.

Why do I say this. Well when wanting to achieve the splits you may think that you need to really stretch for long periods of time and force yourself into certain stretches while fighting the pain. You shouldn’t have to force it so much but you will need to push a little harder every now and again in certain stretches to progress, but not so much that you feel serious pain or agony. When doing this, though, you then need to make sure that you give yourself enough time to rest and recover from your stretching session. Some days you will feel a lot more flexible than others and you will go beyond your normal level, but the days after you may find that you will feel quite stiff. That is your body still recovering from the intense stretching session, similar to how you need to rest your muscles and let them recover after weight training. 

So if you try to incorporate this, stretching everyday into your routine, you may find yourself struggling to recover and eventually hurting yourself, especially if you try to push yourself deeper and deeper every session.

So remember to try not to have a deep stretching session every single day. Alternate between deep sessions and light maybe more yoga flow like sessions if you want to do it every day. And do not be afraid to take a day or two off if you feel overly stiff and tired. On those days you can do 5 to 10 minutes of basic stretches with no force whatsoever, just let it flow.

Photo credits:

• JLC IMAGERY on Unsplash
• Austin Neill 
• Joe Ciciarelli 

You May Also Like:

The post Stretching And Flexibility Advice: HOW Should You ‘Stretch Everyday’? appeared first on FitNish.com.

For many people, yoga is a way to keep their body toned and flexible. It’s also great for boosting mental health. In recent years, more and more people have begun discovering the benefits of hot yoga for staying in shape and clearing the mind.

This article takes a look at yoga for weight loss and other physical and mental benefits that you can start taking advantage of today. Keep reading for insight into this ancient form of exercise that will strengthen both the mind and body.

Sweat it out

Here’s the thing about hot yoga: you’re going to sweat. In fact, you’ll probably sweat more than you ever have in your life. 

After all, the temperature in the room is typically one hundred degrees or more, so you will sweat buckets just sitting on the floor not doing anything. So you can imagine the amount you’ll sweat while doing strenuous yoga poses during an hour-long session.

Perspiring at this level is great for helping to flush your body of toxins. Undesirable toxins can build up over a period of time, stored in your body where they can weaken your immune system. Toxins come in many forms, from the foods you consume to the air you breathe. Sweating during hot yoga helps release some of the toxins, which can strengthen your immune system and improve the health of your skin.

Boosts Heart Health

Hot yoga can also be extremely effective at reducing the risk of hypertension. This is especially beneficial when you consider the sedentary nature of contemporary society.

Heart disease is on the rise, for a number of reasons, thus the need for people to participate in activities that improve blood circulation. Spending time in a heated environment can help reduce blood pressure, which in turn has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing the symptoms associated with heart disease.

Great for Your Skin

Your skin is another beneficiary of improved circulation. When you take part in physical activities that increase blood circulation, this also means that more oxygen will come in contact with your skin.

This typically results in a natural glow that is extremely attractive. In fact, many people swear that an hour spent in a hot yoga class makes their skin appear more dewy and luminous even without makeup.

Also, keep in mind that using less makeup is great for your pores, so you’ll look great and be more healthy at the same time. That’s a win-win!

If you’re new to yoga, you might want to consider using yoga wheels in order to get the most from your yoga practice.

Increases Flexibility 

Yoga is all about improving flexibility. Some people are obviously more naturally flexible than others, and yet adding a yoga discipline to your schedule can drastically improve flexibility in almost everyone.

Now consider the fact that the heat experienced with hot yoga helps the body to become even more flexible. In fact, you will be able to increase flexibility while reducing the risk of injury.

This is possible due to the fact that heat enables your muscles to expand and contract to greater limits more easily. Therefore, hot yoga is ideal for anyone looking to increase their range of bodily movements, especially athletes, dancers, and physical trainers.

Keep in mind that your body will continue to loosen up over a period of time, so don’t attempt to overdo it in a single session. Always be cautious of the heat, and take breaks when needed. As you continue your practice, your body will become increasingly flexible, and you’ll experience the benefits more and more as the months go by.

Burns Calories

It’s no secret that burning calories is a major aspect of losing weight. Yet for many people, burning calories can be a challenge. Fortunately, hot yoga is the perfect activity to help burn some extra calories. 

Great for Boosting Mood

The practices of yoga and hot yoga are also extremely beneficial for elevating mood. Not only for the obvious physical aspects, but also because sweating is the ideal way to boost the release of endorphins in the brain.

Endorphins act as your body’s natural pain relievers, helping to leave you feeling open relaxed. This is especially beneficial for anyone feeling stressed or experiencing depression.

Promotes Mindfulness

In recent years, more and more people have experienced the benefits of mindfulness. This is simply the practice of becoming more in touch with your inner world. After all, the mind is a busy place, filled with a million thoughts that cause your body to react in both good and bad ways.

Choosing to practice hot yoga is a great way to learn to become still, and to focus solely on the movements of your body. The simplicity of yoga and the intensity of the heat has a way of making the rest of the world disappear, which can be used as a time of healing for both mind and body.

Reduces Stress

Because of the healing aspects of mindfulness, it acts as a natural way to reduce stress. This can improve both mental and physical health. In fact, it’s truly amazing how quickly your stress can melt away after an hour of hot yoga. You’ll feel like a new person!

Experiencing the Benefits of Hot Yoga

When it comes to living a more healthy lifestyle, the first step is choosing activities that will boost feelings of well-being. This article has shown some of the top benefits of hot yoga, and how this simple practice can help take your everyday experience to the next level. 

Photo credits:

• Stephen Sandian
• Anupam Mahapatra
• Jared Rice
• Dane Wetton on Unsplash

You May Also Like:

The post 8 Simple Mind And Body Benefits of Hot Yoga appeared first on FitNish.com.