I can hear the collective sigh of my readers from here, as once again, I’m banging on about Yoga. I haven’t posted a Yoga related blog post in quite a while so figured now would be a good time, especially as we’re approaching the end of the year and “new year, new me” season. If one of your resolutions is to get healthier then these reasons to start Yoga might guide you in the right direction.
Photo by Yannic Läderach on Unsplash
I’ve been practicing Yoga for years. It’s in my soul now. I had absolutely NO IDEA how much I would adore Yoga before I started – and that was BEFORE I knew about any of these positive reasons to start Yoga. Going in completely naive and with an open mind – which in hindsight, was the best thing I could have done.
I totally understand how annoying it can be when someone claims that Yoga will fix anything and everything. Not only is it annoying, it’s also incredibly irresponsible and potentially dangerous. There IS truth in the claims – Yoga has so many benefits (which we’ll get into) but of course you should always consult your GP first.
Yoga has become one of my biggest loves in life. I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do without it. I practice more or less every day. I’ve been to a Yoga retreat (and learnt a LOT from the experience). I use Yoga for pain management. And I have lots of plans for how I’d like to enhance my Yoga journey in the future.
And I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about Yoga… it’s a journey.
So if you’re intrigued about Yoga but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, you’re in the right place! Here are my 8 reasons to start Yoga – especially in the New Year!
It has a ton of physical health benefits
I recently read the book The Reluctant Yogi by Carla McKay which I’d HIGHLY recommend for anyone who’s a bit skeptical about Yoga. But not only that Carla goes heavily into the health benefits of the practice and it’s quite outstanding. Some include: increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, improved metabolism, cardio and circulatory health and SO MUCH MORE.
Yoga also has a ton of mental health benefits
This is a big one for me because mental illness was the reason I started Yoga in the first place. The mental benefits are huge reasons to start Yoga. It can decrease stress and anxiety, calms and centers the nervous system, improves attention and concentration, increases body awareness, reduce tension and much more. Many Western doctors are now prescribing Yoga to patients for a variety of conditions (much more on this in The Reluctant Yogi book!)
It’s adaptable
Yoga is for everyone. Truly. Yoga absolutely doesn’t have to mean an intense workout if you don’t want it to or if you’re not able to. And it’s so important to remember that all poses can be changed and adapted to suit your body. If you’re familiar with Yoga With Adriene, you’ll know her motto, “find what feels good” and I find that ultimately, that’s all that matters in Yoga.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing
So, you’ve tagged along with a friend to a Yoga class in the past but it really wasn’t for you? No biggie! There are a ton of different types and style of Yoga and it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach. Bikram Yoga for those who like a sweat and a detox. Hatha Yoga if you prefer a more gentle practice. Kundalini Yoga if you want to work on your breath and spinal energy. And there’s many more styles to choose from too.
It is what you make it
I understand that it might be the perceived spiritual elements of Yoga which put you off starting in the first place and whilst Yoga DOES originate from Indian holy texts over 5,000 years ago, I think it’s a huge misconception of Yoga that you need to be spiritual in order to practice. I think the fact that it is what you make it is one of the BEST reasons to start Yoga!
There’s Yoga for everything
There is. Which is fantastic because if one day you’re not feeling a workout but you’re having a little bit of back pain or digestion issues – there’s Yoga for that! That’s where I find Yoga With Adriene comes in really handy because her short and snappy practices often cater for specific things, which, if you haven’t got an awful lot of time, can be amazing for slotting into your self care routine.
It feels good
I mean, that’s a good enough reason to do anything isn’t it? Yoga feels GREAT. Running? Makes me feel like my lungs are going to fall out my arse. Cycling? Makes me feel like someone injected the essence of Mordor into my thighs. But Yoga? It’s something that combines all the above benefits as well as feeling good at the same time. Triple win.
It’s all about you baby
And finally, I think a few of my above points embody this and from a more personal point of view, Yoga is the one thing that makes me feel like me. It’s the one and ONLY thing where I feel like my time spent on my mat is all about me. I have no other worries on the mat. I feel completely safe and supported. And I’d love for those who are trying Yoga for the first time to feel that way too.
[…] just want to do another one about me. Let’s face it, you know about me by now. You know I love Yoga. I have a dog. That I think Disney is the best thing ever. Yadda […]
Yoga is one of those things that’s great for your mind, body and soul. Its also adaptable to your skill level (or lack there of). I love it!
Absolutely! That’s what I love about it!
[…] 8 Reasons To Start Practicing Yoga […]
In the last 6months or so I’ve started practicing yoga at home every single day. Just signed up for my first aerial yoga classes and strongly considering becoming an instructor. I love it THAT much.
That’s amazing so glad to hear it!
[…] 8 Reasons To Start Yoga in 2020 […]
It’s a goal of mine to get into a continuous yoga practice, but I struggle with finding something that goes a bit easy on my wrists and my neck. Do you have suggestions for books/videos about beginning yoga practice? (That I can do from home on my own.)
The Yoga With Adriene 😌 She has plenty of yoga for beginners, also hands free Yoga too xxx
Thank you! I’ll take a look at her YouTube channel!
I commented in your 2020 post to consider yoga. Glad to read you are doing that.
I’ve been doing yoga for around 4 years anyway 😌
Reasons to continue yoga for the rest of my life!!
I’ve tried yoga a couple of times but I’m so terrible at making time for it. However it’s a big goal of mine for 2020 to prioritise the things that are good for my body and soul and I am always SO motivated to get going with yoga after reading your posts on it. Hopefully this year I’ll be joining you in raving about it! xx
Beth x Adventure & Anxiety
If you need any recommendations of some short practices which you can easily make time for, let me know! xxx
Id like to give yoga a go at some point but I’m not sure it’s really for me! I really enjoy reading your posts on yoga though x
The only way to find out is to try! x
I tried yoga a few months back for the first time and it was so so hard. But i think your right, i should keep going and just take it at my own pace
Maybe you started with a practice that was too intense for a beginner? There’s some lovely slow gentle practices which would be perfect on the YWA channel!
I keep saying I want to give yoga a real try and never do. It’s definitely a resolution of mine for next year!
Glad to hear that!
Oh I definitely want to consider yoga now!! Never even tried it x
Hope you do in the New Year x
Every time I read one of these posts I start to wonder if I should give it another go. I knew that yoga has lots of physical and mental benefits but I didn’t know it was good for metabolism too x
Sophie
It’s good for just about everything! x
I’ve been meaning to look in to it afresh again x
Hope you do! x
I love how enthusiastic and passionate you are about Yoga and that it has been really beneficial for you. 😀
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip || Latest Post
Thank you x
I love my yoga practice, it calms me down so much!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
I really want to give Yoga a try early next year to see if it helps with my pain. What kind of thing did you do to help you? I’d love to learn from you! 😉
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
It depends what pain and what level you’re at – gimmie a DM on twitter and I can try and help 😌
I’ve been a reader for over a year now, and every time you write about yoga, I tell myself “soon, you’re going to try it too, Mace” :’) The new year is a great reason to start up new things, so I really need to aim to ACTUALLY start doing yoga this coming year x
Yesss!! I’ll hold you to that!
please do!!! :’)
I really need to start getting into yoga again, definitely on my goal list for 2020! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Hope you manage it!
I’ve always loved Yoga but Joshua thinks it’s a game and just climbs all over me haha I’m gonna start doing it in the evenings again next year xxx
Awh what a cutie!
I used to love Yoga! I really need to get back into it!
Erin || MakeErinOver
Hope you do! x
I stop yogi recently just due to having no time. I don’t feel as awake or relaxed and my body feels all tight. Definitely starting again after Christmas x
Hope you manage to find some time after Christmas! x
This has really inspired me to get back into yoga again! I’ve done it really sporadically over the years and always enjoyed it, I guess I just never stuck with it for some reason, but wow all those benefits just reminded me why I need to pick it up again!
I’m so glad! Even 10 minutes a day can do wonders x
I use to be pretty consistent with yoga last year, but I tapered off this past year. I hope that I’ll be able to pick it back up though int he new year because I’d really like to become more flexible.
– Avalon from http://www.simplyavalon.com
Hope you manage to! x
I’ve always wanted to try yoga but I never got around to doing it. My best friend took up lessons a year or two and she really enjoyed it! You’ve given me just enough push with this post to actually attempt it in 2020, haha. Thanks for this!
Glad she’s enjoying it! I really hope you give it a shot in 2020! x
I absolutely LOVE yoga, I just do not practice it near as much as I should. We don’t have any local yoga classes near me and I have a tendency to put it on the back-burner a lot. I do love everything about it though! These are all such great reasons to push myself to do more yoga in 2020!
Do it at home if there’s no classes near you! x
This is a refreshing and honest post. My husband would love it if I started yoga in the new year- he’s been trying to get me to do it for years 😬😂. This was incredibly helpful to me! Thanks!
Your husband is right! x
The one thing I love about yoga is that it is so adaptable, and that one does not need a teacher to find what works for you. Yoga breathing exercises have helped me manage stress, so I would like to ease into some slow exercises come the New Year!
Totally agree. There’s no right or wrong with Yoga! x
I LOVE this post. And please keep talking about yoga – I would never have had the courage to start it if it wasn’t for your blog! I’m loving it and really feeling the benefit mentally even if not yet physically. I never realised quite all the different ways it’s good though so loved reading this! I hope it inspires others to take it up.
It literally makes my DAY knowing my posts got someone into Yoga! So glad you’re enjoying it! x
I have never tried yoga, but 2020 i defiantly want to try
Amy x
Hope you manage to x
My dad has started yoga and loves it, I still haven’t tried it! x
Glad to hear that x
I have to admit I’ve never done yoga before, but I would definitely like to change that! I never knew there were so many types of yoga, which sounds absolutely perfect because everyone likes a different type of workout. As I run a blog alongside my full-time job, I also love that it can be done at home and doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time!
Absolutely! You can do quick 10 or 15 minute sessions and you’ll get amazing benefits from them 🙂 x
I’d love to give yoga a proper try in the New Year. I did get so far as to buy a yoga DVD a few years ago (Yoga for Dummies, I think it was) but I couldn’t get into it. I’d like to try it as I think it might help me with some of the things you mentioned. Another great post, Jenny. Thanks for sharing xx
Defintiely give Yoga With Adriene a go. She’s has lots of Yoga for beginners videos x
I had a go at Yoga a couple times, I was really surprised and shocked at how I could become a lot more flexible during yoga, as my body is so stiff and not flexible at all. I’m really bad with my exercise and fitness so I did find it very hard and found it hard to breathe, what puts me off! I even received a yoga book last Christmas but I’m yet to have a look at it. I know it’d benefit me massively, I just need to give it another shot. Thanks for also listing out the different types of yoga, I definitely want to start again with something less challenging! Xxx
I was the same – SO stiff and inflexible before. Yoga is all about the breath so if you stop breathing properly during your practice, just take a step back! x
Yes!! I started doing Yoga earlier this year and found it worked wonders for my mental health. I’m already looking forward to Yoga with Adriene’s January Yoga challenge so I can get back into it properly in the new year! x
Evie x | http://www.eviejayne.co.uk
I’m so glad! I’m SOOO looking forward to the Home journey in January! x
I’ve done yoga on and off for the past few years but I do really want to get back into it in 2020. I’m so bad at staying consistent with going to classes etc because of money and time but I’m hoping to do more at home and try to create a habit! Fab post x
Doing it at home really helps because it saves time and money! x
I never done yoga before but I’ve been inclined to check it out after my shoulder injury from the summer. I didn’t know there are different types of yoga, that makes it more adaptable to everyone❤️ I’m looking to get my body in shape and re-establish my flexibility. I think I’m gonna YouTube it today!
Natonya | https://JustNatonya.wordpress.com
I hope you give it a go! x
I’ve heard some great things about yoga! I’ve tried some fab youtube yoga tutorials in my bedroom and loved it. I really need to get into it more regularly though – would be great for destressing at university!
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
Oh it totally would be! x
This is so great. I do a bit of yoga (but not regularly at all) for headaches and back pain. Also there are so many great vids on YouTube to help you get started ❤️
Yoga for back pain is everything! x
Hi Jenny
I love this! I too have been doing yoga more in 2019 but i still need to do more of it! I know i always feel better after a session so should definitely make it more of a permanent feature in 2020!! 😊
So pleased it has helped you so much though xoxo
I have never personally considered yoga (not at all graceful!) but my 9 year old really enjoys it. She gets stressed with a lot of things and it helps to relax her and stop her from throwing herself around all the time! Thank you for writing.
You absolutely don’t need to be graceful to do Yoga! Glad to hear your 9 year old loves it! That’s brilliant to hear x
Thanks for sharing this – I actually plan on starting Yoga in the new year. My gym has yoga classes and I really feel that it could benefit me physically & mentally as you suggested! I’ll have to let you know how I get on x
Hope you enjoy it! x
See yoga is one of those things I’ve really wanted to start for flexibility but literally know nothing about. I didn’t realise there were different kinds either! Definitely going to look into it!
Jas xx
It’s amazing for flexibility. I’d definitely recommend Yoga With Adriene! x
One of my 2020 goals is to start exercising and yoga again x
Hope you manage to x
I love love love yoga with Adrienne. There literally is yoga for EVERYTHING. Thank you for another amazing post!
I needed this post! I’ve fallen out of practice with it (again) so want to restart in the New Year. I think I really want to focus on Hatha yoga as that’s the type I really enjoy.
Focus on what you enjoy! x
She’s incredible x
She’s on YouTube??
I’ve always loved doing yoga, and need to add it to my routine again for 2020!
Hope you manage to do it in 2020! x
I’ve fallen off the wagon with all my fitness stuff but I’ve made a pact I’ll be getting back into it for the new year! The few YWA videos I watched were so good so I’m determined to do more! X
I’m glad to hear that! x
I used to attend a body balance class which was a mix of yoga, pilates and tai-chi; I loved it, but once my mental health took a bit, I stopped goin. I’ve since been doing some yoga at home, but I would like to do more of it in 2020.
Hope you manage to! x
Thanks Jenny x
I definitely want to try yoga in 2020! I’ve only ever heard great things about how it can help you physically and mentally so I think I finally need to give it a go xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
If you need any suggestions, you know where I am! x