Physical Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga, though an old practice, has gained popularity in today’s society. For a majority, 
yoga enables them to take a break from their busy lives. In addition, yoga provides 
them with many physical and health benefits. Below is a list of physical and health 
benefits of yoga.

Enhances the Strength of the Body

Yoga is popularly known for its capability to relieve both tension and anxiety in the 
mind. However, it can also have an effect on an individual’s exercise capacity. A 
study shows that individuals who practice yoga report greater improvement in the 
strength of their muscles, flexibility of their bodies, endurance and cardiorespiratory 
fitness when compared to those who do not practice. 

Enhances Weight Loss and Body Balance

Individuals who practice yoga are mindful eaters and are more concerned about their 
health. Therefore, they do not eat any food they find around. Researchers found that 
those who practice yoga for at least 30 minutes a week for a duration of four years do 
not gain weight during middle adulthood. Those who were overweight actually lost 
their weight during the study. In short, those who practice yoga have a lower body 
mass index than those who don’t practice yoga. 

Improves Quality of Life

Yoga has become a common therapy used to increase the quality of life for many 
people. Practicing yoga significantly boosts mood and lowers fatigue, especially in 
women suffering from breast cancer. Such women experience less pain and show 
improvements in the level of relaxation and acceptance compared to others who do 
not practice yoga.

Cardiovascular Benefits

A study shows that yoga has an effect on the risk factors associated with 
cardiovascular diseases. It helps reduce blood pressure in people suffering from 
hypertension and improves the baroreceptors’ sensitivity. This enables the body to 
detect the imbalances in blood pressure and restore normalcy. Researchers also 
found that yoga reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body. In addition, it lowers 
the blood sugar levels in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Due to these 
benefits, yoga is currently being included in several cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Relieves Migraines

Migraines are serious recurring headaches that can really make life uncomfortable. 
Traditionally, doctors used medications to manage and relieve symptoms of this 
condition. More researchers have found evidence indicating that yoga can be a 
useful therapy in managing this disease. According to the researchers, yoga 
stimulates the vague nerve, which is effective in relieving the symptoms associated 
with acute pain. 

Many studies have confirmed that yoga has multiple physical and health benefits. 
Therefore, adding it to your daily routine can improve your health and increase 
strength and your body’s flexibility. A few minutes of yoga per day are enough to 
make a big difference.

