The unique benefits of yoga

Fiona Sundari Law, local teacher and owner of Viveka Gardens Yoga Farm gives the low down on this ancient form of exercise

Often yoga is seen as just one more exercise option, either for very slim young women or alternatively a gentle option for people lacking health and mobility. In fact, yoga offers a unique work out for the whole system and is for everyone. So how does yoga compare to other forms of fitness and exercise and what are its unique benefits?

The fundamental difference is that yoga emphasises a long, slow stretch and contraction of muscles. Gym workout, for instance, favours repeated, short powerful movements. This produces lactic acid in the muscle fibres that cause fatigue and muscle stiffness. In yoga, rest periods with breathing – savasana, lying down – means oxygen debt is repaid systematically and lactic acid is dispersed.

A lot of sport and fitness regimes emphasise the development of short, powerful muscles. This means tighter hamstrings, tighter hips and a less flexible back. Yoga lengthens and strengthens skeletal muscle. With freer hips and legs, the back can move more easily. A spine that moves easily promotes postural freedom that allows organs, nerves, ligaments and tendons to sit and move with ease. This points to the subtle benefit of yoga, which is an unblocking of energy and flow between the body systems.

In a session the body is folded and stretched in all directions: forwards, backwards, twisting and sideways. The internal organs receive a full massage leading to improved digestion and general flow of blood to tissue. Glands (eg adrenal) and ductless hormonal tissues (eg the cells that produce glycogen and insulin deep in the liver) receive a massage, bringing fresh blood and taking away toxins, promoting optimal function. Yoga really reaches the parts other exercise cannot reach!

Adrenaline is a big factor in team sports, running and most forms of physical exercise. Adrenaline stimulates the mind. Yoga exercise is designed to develop concentration and calm. Many physical workouts are done to stimulating music. The feel-good factor after a demanding workout can be due to an endorphin high, evolution’s way of giving us stamina in extreme circumstances, not necessarily a mechanism to be exploited daily. The post-yoga glow is due to deep relaxation facilitating connection within.

Often people come to yoga as other forms of exercise have taken a toll on their body – the high impacts of running, rowing, professional dancing, martial arts, cycling and contact sports I often saw when teaching in London. While yoga can’t necessarily repair a cruciate ligament, for example, yoga allows the body to heal itself in savasana and final relaxation. Rest and repair will be deep in the tissues too. Often people take up running or gym, inspired to be healthy but also out of fear of getting old. Yoga keeps you young in a holistic way.

Yoga encourages you to listen to the body. Physical exercise is done with the eyes open. The eyes draw the mind’s energy out. But yoga can be done with the eyes closed, promoting an inward focus and a relaxation for the nervous system. Yoga is practised in a mindful way, making observations and experimenting.

Yoga offers weight-bearing exercise, using one’s own weight without having to rely on equipment. This is excellent to develop stronger bones and resilience to osteoporosis. In fact, a major benefit of yoga is that it requires no equipment. A sticky mat is helpful, but there is no need to spend money on special shoes, expensive equipment or to drive anywhere. You can do it simply, on your own or in a group.

And very lastly, there is a thing called yoga hair! It always looks good after you’ve been practising as prana, the vital force, goes to the tips of the hair too. And no need to shower – just rub in any sweat as it too is full of prana.

Fiona Sundari Law runs classes, workshops and retreats at her retreat, Viveka Gardens Yoga Farm near Winkleigh, as well as classes in Okehampton, South Tawton and Chagford.