1. It Clears the Mind of Clutter

One of the amazing reasons to love yoga and make it a daily practice, is that it clears your mind of clutter. The noise and craziness of daily life can prevent you from taking time to breathe and relax your mind and just simply focus on nothing. Because our culture incorrectly equates business with importance, taking a break to reflect on just breathing and being alive is great way to center yourself and collect your thoughts.

2. It Detoxes Your Organs

Certain movements and poses in yoga mildly detoxify your organs and relieve pressure in your spine, as well as increase your flexibility. These movements generally consist of twisting your upper body with a stable hip region. Regular yoga practice equals healthier functioning organs!

3. Improves Strength and Flexibility

Yoga is also wonderful for physical fitness. It works your body as a whole, strengthening core, leg and arm muscles. If you have tight hamstrings, yoga provides the means for you to loosen them up and gain flexibility, which is something we all need. If not for any other reason, yoga helps you achieve your well-rounded fitness goals!

4. Lowers Blood Pressure, Reduces Anxiety

The rhythmic, deep breathing technique practiced in yoga has shown to reduce anxiety and thus, blood pressure because excess stress hormones aren't being released. The amazing thing is that breathing techniques learned in yoga can be practiced anywhere at any time. It is especially beneficial when a stressful moment arises because you will be equipped with the proper way to lower your heart rate and stress levels!

5. Helps You Focus on Intentional Living

I feel that yoga, or any other exercise routine, enables you to be totally engaged and connected with your body. Feeling how your body moves under purposeful resistance is a reminder of our beating hearts and the oxygen in our lungs. Pushing yourself to your fitness limits can easily translate into your daily life of living outside of your comfort zone. Learn to be intentional with each step you take and choice you make and life will be much more meaningful!

6. Boosts Endorphins and Gives You Energy

Any exercise will provide you with a boost of energy and yoga gives you just enough to feel fresh and ready for the day. I love yoga when I want less of a workout but desire a boost of energy and endorphins. I also love to practice yoga when I need to stretch, and when I want to simply practice my technique.

7. It's Good for You!

Overall, yoga is a holistic practice of fitness that engages body, mind and meditative spirit. Who wouldn't want the benefits that yoga provides?

I know yoga is either loved or hated by those who've tried it. I have friends on both spectrums! So ladies, where do you fall? Are you a lover or hater of yoga and why?