Yoga is probably one of the most popular meditation exercises there is today. The people, young and old, have taken to this exercise, and even the Hollywood celebrities have joined in and started a worldwide trend.
Nowadays, nearly everybody is into yoga and its many permutations. It is considered as the exercise of choice for many people because, while it requires a lot of effort, it is not really as strenuous as getting into weight training or engaging in a lot of physical activity, yet it does not scrimp on the health benefits.
Because of the rapidly growing interest in yoga, the yoga retreats have been mushrooming everywhere. The fans of this meditation tool can now experience the benefits which yoga brings in an isolated environment and surrounded by nature, as opposed to the usual classroom or gym setting. What these yoga retreats aim to bring out is the fact that while yoga is a muscle strengthening and toning activity, it is, first and foremost, a spiritual experience that encourages people to be one with nature and with themselves.
There a lot of testimonials as to the good things yoga brings. One woman has vowed to practice yoga until her final breath because her painful arthritis attacks disappear every time she does yoga. A certain student who has been undergoing chemotherapy has found that the pain associated with blood draws can be alleviated by applying what she learned in yoga class during her sessions in the hospital.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefits one can derive from yoga cannot be pointed out exactly, but studies all over the world have shown that yoga has, directly or indirectly, brought positive consequences both psychologically and physically. People who have been doing yoga exercises for a while already have strengthened cardiovascular efficiencies, low pulse rates and blood pressures, and reduced respiratory problems. Those who are suffering from heart, bronchial and other diseases have been advised to engage in yoga to help improve their health.
Aside from these, yoga has also been found to help with digestive and sleep problems. Because yoga is a meditative activity, the level and state of calm that yoga aims to achieve aids those practicing it not just to improve their physical capabilities, but also their mental faculties. People practicing yoga are known to be more patient and enduring compared to those who are not.
Other benefits include increased self-actualization and acceptance, improved mood, a greater awareness of the self, and the elimination of the feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety and fear. It also boosts attention, stimulates memory and develops concentration skills.
Yoga Retreats
The good thing about yoga retreats is that they aim to isolate the benefits one can gain from practicing yoga in one place and at one time. Thus, people who go to yoga retreats can expect nothing but relaxation, good health and peace of mind during their entire stay at the venue. And because yoga retreats are exclusive, the participants are sure to get the best value for their money.
