How Is Yoga Different From Stretching In Other Forms Of Exercise?
Anyone who’s touched their toes before a big race knows the benefits of proper stretching before exercising or playing a sport. While yoga practice might look no different than those hamstring stretches and shoulder rolls so common in physical fitness, the reality is that yogic stretching can be more involved than typical stretching exercises. Here are 6 things that should make yoga your choice for adding that extra inch to your reach: Yoga increases static stretching. In this activity, the body supports its own weight and does not move. During yoga, students hold poses, also called asanas, for extended periods of time. Beginning students may only be able to hold postures for a short period. With practice, however, practitioners build the strength and balance to stay in the same position for 30 seconds to a minute. Yoga asanas also allow students to increase dynamic flexibility. In yoga, for example, a student might sweep his or her arm in a full arc above the head. These kinds of exer