Most of us into body building shun the idea of yoga as much as we shun the idea of a carb loaded diet. Here we reveal the best kept secrets of champions and the benefits they have reaped by practicing Yoga.
1.STRESS BUSTER
Yoga not only reduces stress but also alleviates anxiety and is an amazing cure for depression. Studies have showed that yoga increases hormonal levels of GABA (Gamma- Aminobutyric Acid, responsible to control nerve cell excitability and regulates muscle tone) which greatly enhances ones mood and alleviates anxiety disorder.
2.ISOMETRIC MUSCLE ENDURANCE
As yoga poses are held for longer duration, it greatly enhances the tensile strength of the muscle. Though this is more common in power yoga and advanced yoga postures, but regular practice of yoga greatly enhances muscle strength. This helps bodybuilders in building ‘Posing endurance ‘ of the body.
3.STRETCHING
Yoga involves many forms of stretching such as passive stretching, active stretching , passive-active stretching and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. Regular and light stretching improves the flexibility & muscle elasticity which in turn prevents muscle injuries (like lower back pain) and stiff joints in the long run.
4.BANISH ‘DOMS’
Yoga not only makes you grow faster and push more weight, but also has a fringe benefit of reduction of the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) which is the soreness in muscle one/two days after your workout- something we can live without.
5.GREAT CARDIO WORKOUT & FASTER RECOVERY
Yoga improves metronomic heart function which in turn increases heart variability, a sign of heart health which is definitely something to beat your chest about. Further, regular yoga helps lower inflammatory compounds in blood.Therefore, faster recovery for your body.
