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Yoga provides a more effective way of stretching and lengthening muscles for three reasons.
First, a yoga workout generates body heat and a hot body enables the muscles to stretch more readily.
Secondly, when people stretch, they usually do so for a few minutes at most. Yoga classes typically last from an hour to an hour and one half. During most of that time, the muscles are constantly being stretched and lengthened.
Thirdly, yoga brings mind and body together through awareness and breath. This empowers you to remain mindful, focused, balanced, stable, and centered in the practice. Stretching is simply a physical activity to relieve muscles.