Feeling like you need a long break after this week? Yoga is the secret to a great Friday detox routine. Many have discovered this, but have you?
Over 5,000 years ago, yoga was developed by the Indus-Sarasvati culture. The original purpose of this practice was to develop a habit of meditating. This way people could create physical strength and stamina that allowed the mind to remain calm in many situations. This powerful method of relaxation is what led to what we use today to exercise the body. The history of yoga makes it more than a meditation outlet. It makes it a way of releasing tension not only from our bodies but also from our spiritual lives.
However, the great thing about yoga is that if you are not into the spiritual benefits of it, there is a long list of benefits that can help your overall health and performance.
One of this benefits is improving your flexibility. Flexibility is extremely important because it lowers the chance of injuries and increases physical performance. Stretching can also increase the blood flow in the body and overall nutrients absorbed by your muscles. This type of coordination can improve reaction times, memory and IQ scores. This is due to the action of clearing your mind during a long period.
Through the different yoga motions and sequences, your heart rate tends to increase. This type of reaction is beneficial to your endurance and resting heart rate. As your body adjusts to the movements, these workouts can increase muscle strength on your back. This is important to ensure that you maintain good posture during your workout, especially when lifting heavy weights.
Other studies made by the University of Wisconsin have shown that the prefrontal cortex showed more activity during a yoga session, which can lead to a better mood. These types of reactions your body has can also help you sleep, which leads to being less tiered and stressed.
Now that you know what yoga can do for you, don’t miss out on all the benefits this practice has to offer not only for your physical endurance but also for a better healthy lifestyle.
We hope to see you during our Happy Hour Yoga Fridays at 5:30 p.m.

 

Plateaus happen when the body begins to adjust to the demands your exercise routine requires of it. Once your body adapts to a fitness routine, you’re not likely to see many benefits until you make adjustments that force your body to move and work in new and exciting ways. Here’s some reasons you may be stuck in a plateau and how to break the pattern:

 

1. You’re unsure of what changes to make to your fitness routine
   • Follow a program that is progressive
   • Where should you make adjustments? Try changing your sets, reps, weight, the type of exercise you’re doing, your intensity, or the length of your workout
2. Training Too Hard
   • Are you trying to push yourself from beginning to end during every workout? Your body has probably adapted to this same intensity even if it still challenging
   • If you’re feeling unmotivated or exhausted, it may be time to take a few days off
3. You need to pump up your workout
   • On the flip side, an activity that isn’t challenging you probably isn’t going to give desired results. Sweat sessions like HIIT or a circuit training class can be a valuable departure from your typical workout
4. It’s time to work with a trainer
   • If you’ve tried everything to bust through your exercise plateau without success,a personal training is another valuable tool. Even if you can’t afford a trainer on a consistent basis, periodically scheduling a session with an expert can give you fresh ideas, improve your form, help you strategize to achieve your fitness goals, and hold you accountable to your workout schedule
5. You’re not keeping tabs of your nutrition
   • The kinds of foods you eat could be halting your momentum. Try using a food diary to record how you feel after eating certain meals. A few sessions with a nutritionist can also help you find the right blend of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and carbs to create energy-packed meals and snacks to support your fitness goals
6. You don’t get enough sleep
   • Sleep and fitness go hand-in-hand, so losing sleep can sabotage your diet. To keep the hormones that signal hunger in check. Poor sleep also means you’re less likely to have energy to make it to the gym or the necessary rest needed for your muscles to adequately recover. Bottom line: Your sleep schedule should be as important for seeing workout results as your actual fitness plan
7. Your goals aren’t realistic
   • Keep things in perspective. Find activities that fit your lifestyle and that you enjoy doing. If you hate running, that’s probably not going to be the exercise that promotes positive change in your life
   • Before you push yourself too hard at a workout you’ve never tried before, start with a beginner class and learn the basics. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or modifications if something doesn’t feel right to you.

 

Remember: your goal is to overcome a plateau and enhance your fitness, not injure yourself or reach a state of burnout!