Yoga might appear to be a series of seemingly impossible poses – but there’s so much more to it than physical flexibility.
This holistic practice benefits the mind, body and spirit in profound ways that go far beyond how far you can stretch or hold a pose. Here are five reasons you should include yoga as part of your Dubai Fitness Challenge, whether you’ve never stepped onto a mat, you’re a regular yogi or you just want to find a new way to feel good.
Building strength
Yoga builds incredible strength in your core, arms and legs. By using your own body weight and holding poses such as warrior or downward-facing dog, yoga engages and tones muscles you didn't even know you had and can be just as effective as using light free weights and resistance bands. Regular practice engages large and small muscles to improve tone and benefit overall fitness. The best part? While Dubai offers plenty of yoga classes, all you really need is a mat – no equipment required.
Mental clarity and focus
Yoga is often referred to as a ‘moving meditation’, training the mind to quieten down by focusing on your breath and being in the present moment. Next time your brain feels a little foggy, even 10 minutes of yoga can help – promoting mindfulness and forcing concentration through poses – improving memory and even reducing stress and anxiety. It's a powerful way to hit the reset button, giving your mind a much-needed break from all the noise.
Mind-Body Connection
Yoga helps you become more attuned to your body's signals - you learn to listen to what feels good and what doesn't, understanding your own physical limits and needs. In yoga, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey and about having a goal to work towards. Connect with your body, find what feels good and celebrate your progress right where you are.
Stress reduction
While the image of a perfectly calm, serene yogi might seem like a cliché, it's actually not so far from the truth. The combination of controlled breathing and mindful movement helps to calm the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your body responsible for ‘rest and digest.’ Even a short 15-30 minute yoga session can leave you feeling centred and peaceful, addressing mind and body through focusing on the present moment, building response to challenges and helping you respond to challenging situations in everyday life with greater calm and composure.
Better sleep
You may be one of the lucky ones who sleeps soundly every night – but many of us find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep – resulting in exhaustion and irritability. If you struggle with insomnia or restless nights, a regular yoga practice can be a game-changer. The combination of gentle movement, deep breathing and meditation helps calm the mind and relax your body, signalling to your nervous system that it's time to rest. A short, gentle yoga session before bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer – give it a go!