I definitely wouldn't call myself a yogi. In fact, I'm the least flexible person I know with the patience of a goldfish and a 0/100 on the serenity scale. However, that doesn't stop me from going to yoga a few times a week to work on my mind and my body. It can be intimidating the first time you step out on the mat in a 102 degree room surrounded by sweaty strangers, but I promise you that it's worth it!! And here's why:
1. You'll become more peaceful.
Peace is something we don't have very often in life, yet it's something we all need to stay sane. Yoga lets you reflect on the day in a calm environment while you practice mindfulness.
2. Your booty will thank you.
Yoga pants + glute strengthening work = a better butt and a ton more confidence!
3. You will feel more spiritual.
Whether you're religious or not, yoga has a way of connecting you to something bigger. It could be an overarching spirit, it could be the Holy Trinity, it could be those around you, or it could be something else supernatural. No matter what your beliefs, though, yoga will put you in touch with something beyond.
4. You'll sweat out toxins.
Think about all the crap that gets built up in your body throughout the week. Hot yoga forces you to sweat it out over the course of an hour and allows you to start over.
5. You will learn to breathe.
This sounds dumb because everyone knows how to breathe, right? Wrong. Breathing has the ability to calm you down and help you focus when you get stressed or overwhelmed, and yoga lets us access this skill that many of us lack.
6. Your arms will be toned.
From one flabby armed girl to another, I promise you won't be disappointed with how downward dog shapes your muscles.
7. You will get an hour of phone-free time.
When you're forced to leave your iPhone in the locker room during the class, you will be surprised at how much easier it is to concentrate on the task at hand instead of taking selfies to post on your workout page.
8. You'll have an excuse to buy cute yoga clothes.
I mean come on, we all should treat ourselves.
9. You will get cardio in without even realizing it.
People DREAD cardio in the gym, but when you're in a different dynamic such as yoga surrounded by others, it's easy to forget that you're working out.
10. You'll learn patience.
Holding poses for minutes on end may sound grueling at first, but over time you will grow to appreciate the patience that you develop.
11. You'll begin to make new friends.
Seeing those regular yogis at the studio becomes more frequent, and before you know it you'll be chatting up Sue or Stephen in the lounge.
12. Your flexibility will soar.
I used to not be able to do half the poses or touch my toes, but that's all changed now.
Even though I've only listed eleven benefits of yoga, I could go on. I promise you that there is a yoga studio nearby -- just google it! You don't have to be afraid. It can be intimidating the first time you go, but keep in mind all the great reasons why you are practicing yoga, and soon enough you will feel like a true yogi.
With that, namaste!
