Article: Yoga for Skeptics
"Yoga, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It requires little to no equipment and can be made accessible to nearly everyone. It has also been linked to a growing number of health benefits, including stress relief, better sleep, improved cognition and reduced back pain. Research also suggests that, at least for otherwise sedentary people, yoga improves balance, strength and flexibility as much as many stretching and strengthening exercises do.
Some studies suggest that yoga can also reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, and a recent review of five studies found that it “may offer benefits to cognitive function” among people ages 60 and older.
Yoga doesn’t require a huge monetary or time investment compared with many other forms of exercise. The only equipment you might want is a yoga mat and yoga blocks, but even those can be optional. “You can do your sun salutation in your garden in the morning — you don’t need a mat, you don’t need anything,” Dr. Schmalzl said.
One form of yoga that is particularly good for beginners is hatha yoga, which involves holding certain postures while breathing in a deliberate and controlled way. “It is very modifiable, it’s gentle,” Dr. Gothe said.
For people who want to explore other gentle forms of yoga, possibilities include Kundalini yoga, which often incorporates chanting and singing; vinyasa yoga, which involves linking postures together in a sequence that flows; Iyengar yoga focuses on precision and alignment."
Read the full article on The New York Times
✨Takeaway: Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and has been found to offer many physical and mental health benefits. There are many different types of yoga, and people should choose the type that best suits their needs and goals.
✨Reflection: Have you ever tried yoga before?
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