Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice: A Personal Experience

I hoped a regular yoga practice would help me deal with some general aches and pains. However, the other benefits of regular yoga practice surprised me too. Here are the changes I noticed in the first few weeks of my yoga journey. This is my experience, rather than a promise that everyone will feel the same changes on the same schedule.

Flexibility Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice

With all that bending and stretching, I began to notice more flexibility. Now, don’t expect to be able to do the splits or a backbend within only a few weeks. Still, the extra mobility in my shoulders and hips after only a few classes surprised me. For example, even getting in and out of our truck felt like less of a strain on my back.

The benefits of a regular yoga practice. Women practicing yoga on a dock by a lake at sunrise.
For me, the benefits of regular yoga practice went beyond flexibility and strength.

Strength Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice

I never thought that a basic yoga practice would make me stronger, so I was shocked at how much stronger I felt after I started practicing yoga regularly. I found myself able to carry heavy grocery bags from the car into my house without getting winded and I could climb several flights of stairs with ease — for the first time in several years.

Balance Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice

Another benefit of regular yoga practice for me was feeling more stable. I didn’t realize how much of an imbalance there was in my legs until I loosened up my hips. Then I suddenly felt steadier. It’s an incredible feeling that I can only describe as being more in control of my body.

A Feeling of Calmness

Taking time to breathe and focus on my body helped to alleviate the anxiety I had been feeling for quite a while. I knew that regular yoga practice would help make me a bit calmer, but I never imagined how much calm yoga would bring me. I truly felt better, and when I couldn’t practice yoga for a few days, I found my anxiety attempting to sneak back in.

Sleep Benefits I Noticed with Regular Yoga Practice

I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in years, so I was quite surprised that after only a few weeks of starting my regular yoga practice, I started sleeping through the night without worries or pain waking me up. It’s an incredible feeling to wake up in the morning feeling rested!

Feeling Powerful

After a month or so, I began to appreciate the benefits of regular yoga practice in my everyday life. Seeing how much stronger and more flexible I felt made me feel SO powerful. That’s why I recommend exploring yoga if you’re looking for a practice that can support your wellbeing. Your experience and pace may be different from mine.

I used to think I had no time for yoga, but once I found virtual yoga classes, that all changed! Honestly, once you get comfortable with a regular yoga practice, you can take 10 minutes to do some stretches on those days you can’t fit anything else in.

Asana at Home is a great way to join yoga classes without leaving the comfort of your own home. They offer a variety of virtual yoga classes with excellent teachers, including replays you can do on your own time.

For a broader view beyond my experience, the NIH’s guide to yoga effectiveness and safety reviews the research on wellbeing, sleep and balance, along with its limits.

Author and Yogi Erika Palmer

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Erika Palmer

Erika Palmer is a writer living in Victoria with her husband and son. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.

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