More than 40 million people in the US practice yoga. Why is it so popular? Aside from it being a great way to build strength, it can also be a spiritual experience. In our now fast-paced world, more and more people realize the real value of de-stressing activities. All of us have to take the time to be mindful and slow down every once in a while for our own sanity.
We can trace the birth of yoga way back 5,000 years ago in Northern India, practiced by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization. This practice was brought here to the west in the late 1800s, and it has been steadily gaining popularity ever since. Modern yoga has branched out into different styles, accommodating contemporary needs.
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What about Yoga in Mobile AL?
Popular Types of Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Hatha has a specific focus on improving your posture. You learn the basic yoga poses in a Hatha class, perfect for dipping your toes in the water.
Bikram Yoga
You might have come across the term “hot yoga.” That’s Bikram. Classes are conducted in artificially heated rooms, typically around 105 degrees. Yogis love it because it promotes weight loss and helps in pain management.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit. Breathing is highlighted in Ashtanga, especially how it’s linked to movement. Ashtanga is the style of choice for advanced yogis because of its more complex poses.
Kripalu Yoga
You spend Kripalu classes looking inward. You learn how to listen to your body and acknowledge its needs and limitations. This style is also great for beginners because it’s mostly breathing exercises and mild stretches.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar is dedicated to correcting the body’s alignment. One usually takes a variety of props to these classes like straps, blankets, and blocks. This style is helpful for your back if you hold a lot of stress there.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini is aimed towards people with stress, anxiety, and anger issues. It is meant to release pent-up energy. There is always some form of chanting and singing involved in these classes.
Prenatal Yoga
Pregnant women are typically advised to stay away from strenuous activities. Prenatal yoga is a great way to keep fit during the gestation period without overexerting yourself.
The Benefits of Yoga
1. It’s a great stress reliever and lowers anxiety.
Yoga is not quite as basic as running on a treadmill and lifting weights. It’s a practice that also targets your mental wellbeing. There are plenty of studies that show that it decreases the production of the primary stress hormone, cortisol.
2. It’s a good workout for your heart.
Yoga promotes healthy blood flow, which normalizes blood pressure. This lowers your risks for heart attacks and strokes.
3. It reduces chronic pain.
There’s no need to let pain be your master. Studies show that yoga reduces inflammation, relieving injuries and conditions like arthritis. Yoga can also improve your mood and stave off fatigue.
4. It improves balance and flexibility.
Yoga is known for toning and sculpting the body. In the process of mastering poses (stretching and staying still), you find your center and literally reach new heights.
5. It changes your eating habits.
Yoga encourages its practitioners to be mindful of what and how they eat. When you pay attention to the smells, tastes, and textures of your food, you become more grateful and aware of what fuels you. There have even been studies about how yoga is a successful eating disorder treatment. Let’s show you where you can try some yoga in Mobile AL.
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Yoga Studios in Mobile AL
Sterling Hot Yoga Wellness
2450 Old Shell Rd, Mobile AL 36607
Phone: (251) 471-5775
Above and Beyond: Yoga and Salt Therapy
878 Hillcrest Rd C, Mobile AL 36695
Phone: (251) 639-9030
Synergy Yoga & Pilates
3152 Old Shell Rd, Mobile AL 36607
Phone: (251) 472-1104
Mobile Yoga Center
10 S Conception St, Mobile AL 36602
Phone: (251) 348-7433
Village Yoga
4407-A Old Shell Rd, Mobile AL 36608
Phone: (251) 277-7107
Born To Birth Yoga
5030 Cole Dr. E, Mobile AL 36619
Phone: (251) 327-8712
Namaste to You Too
There’s no denying the plethora of benefits you can get from practicing yoga. It can be as gentle or as challenging you need it to be. It’s the perfect workout for folks of all different skill levels and walks of life. Some of the studios above also offer online classes if you feel uncomfortable attending a yoga session on-site.