Older people often find that gentle yoga exercises allow them to retain mobility and may relieve problems such as arthritis and poor circulation. During pregnancy, yoga promotes good health in both mother and unborn child. Yoga asanas lessen the effects of such problems as overweight, backache, and depression. Most women who practice yoga find that it can make labor easier and shorter. Although some asanas have to be modified during pregnancy, their essence is perfectly suited to this time of expanded self-awareness.
Pregnancy is also a very good time for meditation.
Everyone can benefit from following a regular yoga routine, as it counteracts many of the problems suffered in modern life. Asanas release the physical tensions caused by hours of sitting, deep breathing gives vitality by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain and meditation enhances the powers of concentration. Yoga improves strength and flexibility in the mind as well as the body, and aids relaxation. It frees the practitioner both physically and mentally, often heightening intuition and creativity. To top of page Yoga Benefits and Sports Yoga postures are the physical positions that coordinate breath with movement and with holding the position to stretch and strengthen different parts of the body.