20 Reasons I LOVE Yoga!

Here's a little tidbit of information about me: I'm a little bit OCD about my work outs, and missing a workout seriously stresses me out. Forgetting to wear my heart rate monitor before going to the gym just about sends me into a fit of hysteria. I love my cardio workouts, and I love strength training workouts. But today I reminded myself that I LOVE YOGA! I often opt for the higher calorie burn, thinking that Yoga just isn't enough. But tonight I attended a Yoga class, and remembered why I should do it more often! We would all do well to incorporate some Yoga into our regular fitness regimen.

I LOVE YOGA BECAUSE...

• I have to adjust my rear view mirror for the drive home...it makes me sit taller by improving my posture.
• It decreases blood pressure, lowers the heart rate, and improves circulation.
• It helps me control my breathing in normal-life-stressful situations.
• It massages my internal organs, so I'm more in tune with my body.
• It helps me stay regular (along with my fabulous fiber!)
• It gives me a stronger immune system.
• It gives me a higher tolerance for pain.
• It reduces spinal compression and back pain.
  
• It stimulates detoxification of the body...and keeps me younger.
• It is non-competitive. (Although I'm still working on remembering that I don't need to compare what I'm doing to what the instructor is doing.)
  
• It makes me stronger...using only my own body weight.
• I sleep better.
• It teaches me balance and control over my body.
• It makes me a better runner.
• It improves...ahem...sexuality.
• It improves my mood.
• It reduces stress and anxiety.
• It humbles me into better self-acceptance. I can't do every move. And that's OK!
• It's a great measuring stick for my own level of strength and fitness.
• It teaches me to remain calm in the midst of a storm.

For more surprising health benefits of Yoga, read this. Why do YOU love Yoga?