by: Elena Bernardi

Yoga is growing in popularity, and for good reason. An ancient system of breathing, meditation, and exercise, it is one of the most effective systems ever invented for improving all aspects of health and well being.

Beyond just improving flexibility, yoga also improves strength and coordination, as well as optimizing the functioning of all of the body’s systems.

The muscular workout you get from a yoga session is unmatched: if you’ve ever done one you know that you will use all the muscles of your body, including ones you didn’t even know you had. The practice of yoga improves both the range of motion as well as the effectiveness of all of the body’s joints and muscles. If it doesn’t change the way you look, it will definitely change the way you feel by helping to develop a strong core and improve posture.

When it comes to muscles, it’s not only important how strong they are, but also how you use them. Efficient movement and effective body mechanics, as well as improved overall coordination, are natural results of a dedicated yoga practice. Imagine driving your car 100 miles with the parking break engaged – this is how most people move about in their daily activities. Precise coordination of muscular activity saves energy and reduces stress on the body.

Besides needing to move, we also have internal systems that must function well in order for us to stay alive and healthy. The breath and mental regulation aspects of yoga practice regulate the functioning of these systems and bring them into alignment. In particular, the cardiovascular and neurological systems, responsible for all aspects of physical and emotional health and well being, benefit from this activity.

Various resources are available to help practitioners gain the multitude of benefits that yoga has to offer. One that is both highly popular and freely available is the Yoga Journal website (http://www.yogajournal.com/). Many dedicated teachers are doing their part to improve people’s lives as well. One such teacher is Kathryn Budig, who has put on a 21 Day Challenge to encourage people to take up the practice: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/yoga-journal-21-day-challenge_n_1236168.html

Also growing in popularity are vacations and retreats centered around a yoga experience. Traditional vacations are often stressful, leaving you needing a vacation after your vacation, but yoga retreats are designed to be rejuvenating and energizing, and can be amazing experiences of personal growth. There is even a company that specializes in hosting just this type of getaway in the most beautiful locations inItaly, Italy Yoga Retreats. According to Elena Bernardi, yoga teacher and owner of Italy Yoga Retreats, “Yoga retreats are increasing in popularity each year, and are becoming a popular choice for health aware travelers.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/yoga-vacations-for-health-5653348.html

About the Author

Elena Bernardi, Yoga Teacher and Italy travel specialist, is the founder of Italy Yoga Retreats. For information about custom made yoga vacation packages in Italy, visit them on the web at http://www.italyyogaretreats.com/ or call 1-800-380-0014.