Yoga. Breathing, meditating. A bunch of people sitting on the floor with their legs crossed humming to the soft music. But it’s much more than just sitting and breathing. 

     “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body” says Natalie Nevins in American Osteopathic Association. This association states that a majority of yoga sessions is based around breathing, meditation, and poses that stretch and strengthen the body. 

    Other physical benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, due to the amount of stretching according to Patty Murdy, a gym teacher here at North Harford. American Osteopathic Association states “there is improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, and weight reduction”. More benefits can be found listed on this site.

     Yoga is based around more than a physical aspect, there is a mental one too. Murdy’s yoga unit is a two-week lesson and is also done intermittently.  Murdy believes “it’s good for relaxing and distressing, to have a mental calm down.” 

      Stress reveals itself in many ways, which AOA says can be devastating on the mind and body. Stress can be shown by “back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and inability to concentrate,” said  Nevins.

      Nevins also says that yoga involves meditation and breathing that can help with mental clarity and calmness, increase body awareness and helps with chronic stress patterns and relaxes the mind. Healthline is supported by science with knowing that yoga relieves anxiety. Another article called  Futuriy says one in three people, globally, suffer from anxiety. 

     Healthline states, inflammation is a normal Immune response that contributes to many reasons, yoga helps reduce that inflammation. Yoga lowers pulse rate and blood pressure after a few years of practicing it.  This can benefit heart health. 

“Yoga is becoming increasingly common as an adjunct therapy to improve the quality of life for many individuals,” Healthline contributes. This could include helping with depression and chronic pain, as well as promote sleep quality. The benefits don’t stop there, science also shows that It helps with migraines and healthy eating habits.

     North Harford’s cross country and track team also uses yoga to benefit them. Matt Weir and Will Tikiob both agree that “yoga helps keep muscles from being sore when running.” Weir says that some of the poses they do include “downward dog, happy baby, vinyasa and also use elastic bands to stretch legs.” Take a yoga class twice and week and improved mental and physical help could be in the path ahead.