Most people taking up yoga do so in order to strengthen their bodies or to find a means of relaxing. Many find relief through yoga for backache, stiff joints or tension. YOUR BODY usually only achieves a very limited range of motion in everyday activity. This results in a loss of mobility - if you do not use the flexibility in your muscles and joints you will lose that flexibility. Yoga stretches and exercises the body to its full potential, naturally promoting the range of motion and developing muscle strength.
Yoga works on both levels dealing simultaneously with stiffness, aches and pains and tension.
Yoga techniques for relaxation and stress release have become essential components used extensively in stress management programmes. Yoga develops the chest and capacity of the lungs, promoting easier breathing. This can help to alleviate conditions such as asthma. Enhanced control of the muscles and breathing is a preliminary to deeper relaxation. Different postures and breathing techniques induce different moods - some are calming, others are enlivening, all are refreshing.