1. Increased breathing capacity. Most people are not utilizing a third of their breath capacity and therefore they become anxious easily, have a hard time breathing while exercising or have oxygen starved muscles equating to muscle tension. Yoga focuses on the complete breathing. Often we focus on the inhalation but fail to ever completely exhale. Without completing the exhale breathing is not complete. As yoga provides opportunities to send oxygen to all the body breath capacity is enlarged. Instead of just the rib cage enjoying the gentle inhale and exhale breath is sent to the diaphragm, the intercostals and the clavicle. As oxygen allows the lungs to expand in a full three dimensional fashion muscle tension and joint compression is released allowing the body to find comfort in better alignment.
2. Holistic health. Yoga really focuses on the mind, body and spirit as one. With busy schedules and deadlines to meet our minds are working over time leaving little thought to the rest of our holistic self. If there is a holistic imbalance eventually it will manifest itself through emotional trauma, physical injury or chronic problems. Yoga provides opportunities that encourage people to focus on the moment. To listen to their body's needs and allow it to enrich their spirit. When performing a yoga pose one is focused on the spatial pulls and the dynamic forces throughout their body, this focus while maintaining their breathing which supports their movement and add stability. By taking the time to focus on bringing the mind, body and spirit together one will be energized and have an increased awareness of their abilities and potential in the world.
3. Increased flexibility. Sitting on chairs, in a car, on the coach, at a computer desk or at a table leave some muscles are in a permanent state of flexion. This presents issues of muscular tightness and tension which lessens the flexibility of the joints. Increased flexibility really can improves a persons overall health by decreasing joint discomfort, by preventing immobility in later years and it provides greater efficiency to do everyday and exercise movements.
4. Toning muscles. Throughout the period of a lifetime muscles can become saggy and weak. Yoga is a great way to tighten and add life back into pathetic muscles. By moving through the poses the muscles are being tested constantly, all dimensions of the fibers are challenged and tightened, refueling them with youth and life.
5. Massage to all the organs. Our culture is so concerned with aesthetics. Everyone wants a six pack because it looks good not because they want to be healthy. By constantly focusing on the outward appearance the insides of our bodies are neglected and yet our internal organs perform such vital roles to our existence. Yoga massages all these organs. Often people who do yoga feel invigorated and this is connected to the care which their internal organs have received.
6. Self esteem and worth improves. Yoga is challenging! As a person embarks on the journey of yoga their self-esteem is increased. Yoga increases self-esteem because:

•Weight normalizes

•Energy increases

•Sleep improves

•Endurance increases

•Alignment and posture improves

•Steadiness and balance improves

•Social adjustments improves

•Attention improves

•Self-acceptance improves

•Well being improves