| Busy work schedules, home chores and activities of | | | | aerobic exercise at 55-90% of one's estimated |
| daily living are more and more causing people to need | | | | maximum heart rate for 20-60 minutes 3-5 times per |
| physical fitness programs that are comprehensive yet | | | | week. Although many programs marketing the benefits |
| effective. As yoga continues to expand in the West, | | | | of the practice say it's an all encompassing workout, it |
| the practice is being described as a comprehensive | | | | really isn't. You have to get additional cardiovascular |
| physical fitness practice that can help with losing | | | | training such as walking, biking, swimming or any other |
| weight, building strength, increasing endurance and | | | | mode of aerobic exercise. And the more you make |
| flexibility. It can be beneficial in these ways but the | | | | yoga aerobic, the fewer benefits one will get from |
| benefits are often dependent on a variety of factors | | | | flexibility and strength. |
| including one's current fitness levels, goals and type of | | | | Practice Type: There are numerous styles of Hatha |
| practice. | | | | yoga, the physical form that includes postures, |
| Fitness Level: Exercise history can play an important | | | | breathing and meditation. Styles range from relaxing |
| role in the types of benefits that one may experience | | | | and meditative practices such as restorative to |
| in yoga. A study sponsored by the American Council | | | | physically demanding styles such as Ashtanga. The |
| on Exercise found that the average person | | | | type of practice will make a difference on the final |
| off-the-street who doesn't have a fitness program can | | | | outcomes. Be sure to research any practice and talk |
| improve strength and endurance, balance and flexibility | | | | with the teacher about the class components and your |
| in just eight weeks. The benefits may not be so much | | | | goals. |
| for those who have strong physical activity programs | | | | In the end yoga is a great way to start a new physical |
| already and, weight loss may take a significant effort | | | | activity program. It also targets areas of fitness such |
| since a session will only burn 144-237 calories per 50 | | | | as flexibility, skill related components such as balance |
| minutes. | | | | and coordination and relaxation that are often |
| Fitness Goals: While yoga can help with strength and | | | | overlooked. It also gives us the opportunity to practice |
| endurance related goals, it doesn't meet the American | | | | an activity that moves beyond fitness to examine the |
| College of Sports Medicine's recommendations to get | | | | balance of our mental, emotional and spiritual sides. |