Yoga: What’s the hype?

I have a confession. I hated yoga. I hated the stillness, the breathing, and the holding of positions that made me feel weak and powerless. I have walked out of more than one yoga class, swearing that I would never return. So who am I to talk about the benefits of getting yoga into your routine? Well, if you have followed this blog, you have likely picked up that I am also stubborn and an eternal optimist. I wanted to feel what others have told me they felt when doing yoga! And, finally, I have!

I truly believe that the spring and summer are the perfect time to embrace new wellness practices because we are naturally energized by the longer days and warmth of the sun. I have recently given yoga another try and found that when done with the right instructor in the right place, it can be one of the most transformative additions you can make to your workout routine. At No Shoes Nutrition, we believe that combining mindful movement like yoga with a balanced, nutritious diet can help you achieve optimal health and wellness. Let’s explore the benefits of incorporating yoga into your summer fitness routine and how it can help you build healthy habits that last.

The Benefits of Yoga for Your Summer Fitness Routine

1. Enhances Flexibility and Strength Yoga is renowned for improving flexibility, which is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining a full range of motion. Many yoga poses also build strength by engaging multiple muscle groups, making it a comprehensive workout that complements other fitness activities. This may be true but it was difficult for me to embrace this when my mindset reminded me that I was inflexible and I was falling all over the place!

2. Boosts Mental Well-being Practicing yoga should encourage mindfulness and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. The meditative aspect of yoga helps calm the mind, making it easier to stay focused and positive. This mental clarity can be particularly beneficial during the hectic summer months. This was my biggest struggle with yoga! I couldn’t get my mind right! I now know that the right instructor can change everything for you in this area!

3. Improves Cardiovascular Health Certain styles of yoga, like Vinyasa and Power Yoga, provide a cardiovascular workout that can boost your heart health. These dynamic forms of yoga get your heart rate up, improving circulation and endurance. This might be true but to begin, I would recommend the slower and more instructional versions of yoga.

4. Supports Weight Loss Regular yoga practice can aid in weight loss by increasing metabolic rate and promoting mindful eating habits. By becoming more in tune with your body, you may find it easier to make healthier food choices and avoid overeating. This may be true but I wouldn’t start yoga to try to lose weight. I would use it to get in tune with your body and the awareness will help you lose weight!

5. Enhances Recovery Yoga is an excellent way to promote recovery after intense workouts. It helps to stretch out tight muscles, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries, allowing you to stay active and consistent with your fitness routine. I have found that I not only recover from my workouts better but I also recover from full days sitting in my office chair working!

Building Healthy Habits with Yoga and Nutrition

Incorporating yoga into your summer fitness routine is a great step towards building long-lasting healthy habits. I have been working with The Backyard Yogini and she has classes that are strictly for those who have never tried or been successful with yoga, all the way to advanced levels. The best thing about finding her was that the classes are small, there are indoor and outdoor options and everyone is very supportive. Marianne, the instructor, brings humor, kindness, and so much love to yoga that you can’t help but begin to believe in yoga and yourself!

We can even blend the practices we learn in yoga into our nutrition habits! Here’s how combining yoga with mindful nutrition can support your wellness goals:

1. Mindful Eating Yoga encourages mindfulness, which can extend to your eating habits. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and choose nutrient-dense options that nourish your body. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet.

2. Hydration Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. Yoga can increase your awareness of your body’s hydration needs. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your overall health and well-being.

3. Balanced Lifestyle Yoga promotes balance, not just physically but also in your lifestyle. Combine regular yoga practice with other forms of exercise, like swimming, cycling, or hiking, to keep your routine interesting and well-rounded.

4. Stress Management Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress levels. Lower stress helps maintain a healthy hormone balance, supports better digestion, and improves sleep quality— all essential factors for overall wellness.

5. Consistency and Routine Establishing a regular yoga practice helps build discipline and consistency, which are key to achieving long-term health goals. Start slowly and add yoga to your weekly schedule to form a lasting habit.

Incorporating yoga into your summer workout routine offers numerous physical and mental benefits, making it a powerful tool for achieving your health and wellness goals. By pairing yoga with mindful nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, you can create a balanced approach that supports long-term well-being.

Ready to start your yoga journey this summer? At No Shoes Nutrition, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore our resources, tips, and personalized consultations to enhance your health and wellness routine. Visit No Shoes Nutrition to learn more and schedule your complimentary consultation today!

References

1. Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The benefits of yoga. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-yoga

2. American Heart Association. (2020). Yoga for heart health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/yoga-for-heart-health

3. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Yoga: Fight stress and find serenity. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733