The benefits of yoga - for walkers

Yoga is an ideal activity for walkers

It's been happening across the UK over the last decade. Little by little a wave of yogis have been spreading the word about the superb benefits of yoga. These days most people will know about yoga and many will have given it a try. Perhaps not everyone is aware of the many different styles of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga and Iyengar, but a good number will be familiar with a range of yoga postures such as, downward dog, inversions, twists, backbending etc

The benefits for the general person include strength, flexibility, balance, posture, concentration and relaxation. If you have spent any time doing yoga you will know that all these aspects can be realised within a relatively short time and with practise can become an important part of your life.

But yoga is also of great benefit to walkers, too. In particular the core strengthening advantages of yoga, especially when practising the more dynamic Ashtanga-style of yoga, can help to combat aching back problems that often hit people who hike mountains.

Other benefits of yoga for walkers include:

* Improved energy levels

* Muscle strength in the legs

* Cardiovascular fitness

* Focus

* Stamina

For many people yoga is also a great way to ward off potential injuries. The repetitive motion of walking, especially if you suffer with poor posture or bad limb/body alignment, can lead to a host of leg, hip and back injuries. Yoga helps to realign body alignment and can therefore prevent potential walking aches and pains.

Why not sign up for a beginner yoga group in your area?