In the age of investing in our mental well-being, what are you doing to improve your physical and mental health?Â
Have you ever tried Hatha Yoga?
Look no further!
Hatha yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on physical postures and breathing techniques. It has countless benefits for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.Â
As we begin new yoga classes starting this term at Redo, we thought we would take this opportunity to explore 10 surprising health benefits of Hatha Yoga practice that can help you rejuvenate your mind and body.
Physical Health Benefits of Hatha Yoga
- Increased Flexibility: Hatha yoga postures involve stretching and bending, This can help improve your flexibility over time.
- Enhanced Strength: Many hatha yoga postures require holding and balancing your body weight, which can build strength and endurance in the muscles.
- Improved Balance: Hatha yoga postures help improve balance and coordination by challenging your body to maintain stability and control.Â
- Better Joint Health: Hatha yoga can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body, making it a popular practice for people with chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain.
Our Yoga teacher, Janetta is well-equipped to offer alternative postures and poses for those with join restrictions.Â
Mental Health Benefits of Hatha Yoga
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Hatha yoga involves deep breathing and relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety by increasing activity in your parasympathetic nervous system.
- Improved Mood: The practice of hatha yoga has been shown to increase levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain like serotonin and endorphins, which can improve mood.
- Better Sleep: Hatha yoga can help improve the quality of sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. A great benefit of attending yoga sessions later in the day!
Breathing and Flowing Movement in Hatha Yoga
- Increased Oxygen Intake: The deep breathing techniques used in hatha yoga can increase oxygen intake, improving overall health and energy levels. This is done by promoting more efficient use of your diaphragm.Â
- Improved Circulation: The flowing movements in hatha yoga can help improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
- Reduced Tension and Pain: The combination of deep breathing and flowing movement can help reduce tension and pain in the body.
Benefits of Hatha Yoga for Older Population
- Improved Balance: Hatha yoga can help older individuals improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls. This by way of strengthening trunk and leg muscles.
- Increased Flexibility: As we age, our flexibility can decrease, but hatha yoga can help improve and maintain flexibility over time.
- Reduced Stress: Hatha yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is especially important for older individuals who may experience more stress in daily life.
Precautions & Contraindications for Hatha Yoga
While hatha yoga is generally considered safe for most individuals, there are some contraindications to be aware of. Individuals with the following conditions should be screened or assessed before beginning a yoga practice:
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning a yoga practice. It is generally not advisable to take up new exercise activities in the later stages of pregnancy.
- High Blood Pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning a yoga practice, as some postures can increase blood pressure.
- Joint Issues: Individuals with joint issues should be careful when practicing certain postures that may exacerbate their condition.
As mentioned, there are many alternative poses, so communicating any joint problems to your instructor is essential!
Hatha Yoga Classes at RedoHealth
At RedoHealth, our hatha yoga classes are designed to provide a uniquely tailored experience.Â
Our class size is small with a max of 8 people to allow for individual attention and adjustments.
Janetta’s approach encourages participants to focus on:
- Pairing breath with movement
- Bringing intention to their body position
- An awareness of their bones and muscles in space
This allows for a full connection of their body and mind for a more transformative experience.Â
The slow pace of our classes allows you to fully immerse yourself in the practice and reap the numerous benefits of hatha yoga.
Hatha yoga is a powerful practice that can benefit your physical and mental health in numerous ways.
Whether you’re looking to improve flexibility, reduce stress, or improve joint health, hatha yoga can help. Visit our class page to book a class and start experiencing the benefits of hatha yoga today.