Also, building awareness and control of the breath helps one deal with everyday stress and anxiety at home, in the workplace and when doing sports. The breathwork also enhances concentration and mindfulness with obvious benefits. However, Yoga is so much more than an all encompassing physical exercise; it is a complete science of life originating from India many thousands of years ago. Yoga aims to unite and balance the body, mind and spirit combining movements needed for physical health with breathing and meditation techniques to ensure peace of mind, offering an effective antidote to the physical and mental stresses of living in the 21st century. The yoga postures are called asanas, meaning steady pose. Practising these poses improves strength and flexibility, increases circulation and massages/stimulates the internal organs and endocrine system. Deep breathing, concentration and relaxation during the poses lead to a state of inner peace and calmness.
At its most basic form, Yogic exercise is very effective at stretching out the body and working core muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening the body generally and can help enhance sports performance and endurance (eg golf, tennis football). Equally as we get older, doing regular yoga based exercise helps maintain and improve flexibility and strength.