What are the Yoga Benefits for Women?

Category: Yoga |

Firstly, we’re not being sexist. There really are ways in which yoga is particularly useful for women. Women have different bodies, and often feel the pressure of managing children, work and the home more than men. So what are the yoga benefits for women?

During pregnancy there are tailored yoga programs for expectant mothers. These incorporate gentle stretching that puts no stress or pressure on baby, and focuses on breathing exercises. Pregnant women are often anxious, feel a lot of aches and pains and may be stressed from work or having other children to care for. Having time to relax, soothe the muscles and meditate is an excellent way to reduce blood pressure and regain a sense of calm. Another of the benefits of yoga for women is that during childbirth, many women turn to their yoga practice.

Many women suffer from pain and cramps during menstruation, which is caused by mild contractions. This can be eased significantly by a series of gentle poses, such as the cobra position which strengthens and stretches the back, easing constipation, the cat position which uses movement to gently massage the stomach area and the wind relieving pose which eases bloating and excessive gas.

The corpse position should be performed which involves tensing all of your muscles. Upon release, you will feel relaxed, leading you into the relaxation pose. This should be performed lastly as it allows for reflection and relaxation which will be soothing.

Other yoga benefits for women are that it develops strength in the main muscle groups and can maintain flexibility well in to the later years. During menopause, symptoms can decrease dramatically with regular practice. All of the organs, glands and soft tissues are massaged during yoga, because of all the twists, bends and balances that you perform. This increases the flow of oxygenated blood to all parts of the body, but the glands particularly benefit from this during the menopause.

The goddess pose is ideal for improving blood flow around the pelvis, and is thought to reduce mood swings. The downward facing dog pose strengthens hand and arm bones, thus helping prevent the onset of osteoporosis, one of the great yoga health benefits.

During all stages of a women’s life, yoga can invigorate, heal, and de-stress. With the lives of women being more hectic than ever, yoga seems to be especially relevant. Not only can you develop strength and flexibility, you can select poses to help you through each stage of your life. Mentally, yoga offers an escape from everyday anxieties, confidence, a positive attitude and can teach you how to stay calm and peaceful during your everyday life. So, there are many yoga benefits for women, both physical and mental – this is an extraordinary all-round exercise.