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'YOGA IS JUST STRETCHING!'   - LIKE THAT'S A BAD THING

8/9/2018

 
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(public domain photo from www.pixabay.com)

Periodically I hear from some hard core workout junkie that "yoga is just stretching!"  It's said in a way to indicate that stretching is useless for fitness.  There are two problems with that observation.  First, it's not true that yoga is just stretching.  I have taken triathletes through a very physical yoga workout and they couldn't keep up.  Secondly, stretching is a very, very good thing and yoga is the most effective physical exercise at providing a good stretch for many muscle groups.  Here are just a few benefits of stretching:
  • Improved metabolism.  This, in turn, will burn off calories offering another effective way of weight management.
  • Reduce injury risk.  Longer, flexible muscles, are healthier than tight, contracted ones.
  • Increase range of motion.  The women and men who are highly competitive marathoners take longer strides than most other runners. That means they take fewer steps to complete a race.
  • Maintain flexibility.  As you age you don't become rigid, inflexible, walking like a robot.
  • Build muscle.  Yes, stretching builds muscle especially a long held stretch.  Try this:  get into down dog and hold it for a mere seven minutes.  It's not easy, but your muscles will get stronger for that pose.  Then, get into warrior II and hold it for a mere seven minutes.  You'll see what takes place.




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    Victor M. Parachin ...is a

    Vedic educator, yoga instructor, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of a dozen books. Buy his books at amazon or your local bookstore. 

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