The Benefits of Yoga
The top benefits of yoga based on 20+ years of practicing and 5+ years of teaching it.
YOGA
Meredith K. Abramson, RYT 200, M.Ed.
1/22/20245 min read
When I started practicing yoga as a newlywed nearly twenty-four years ago, I had no idea it would be a part of my life for good. I had always been active--I was a collegiate athlete--but there are things that you just grow out of as an adult (like playing competitive soccer). But yoga is different. Yoga goes the distance, and these are the top reasons I believe that statement is so.
Yoga calms the mind
Engaging in yoga allows us to alleviate stress and anxiety by establishing a connection with our mind, body, and surroundings. Through practicing specific asanas and linking those to breath, one learns how to quiet the mind while on the yoga mat. Stress and anxiety are alleviated through this physical and mental relaxation.
Yoga brings strength
While I think most think of that calming effect when they consider their yoga practice, there is something that brings us back to our mats, and that's the feeling of strength we feel when finishing a yoga practice. That "I did that!" feeling is empowering and a beautiful reason to roll out the mat again and again.
Yoga improves flexibility
Yoga improves flexibility through a combination of stretching and lengthening exercises incorporated into its asanas. Postures target various muscle groups and joints, promoting increased elasticity and range of motion. Consistent practice of yoga helps release tension in muscles and connective tissues, allowing them to adapt and become more supple over time. Even those who self-proclaim "I am not flexible!" will find progress with consistency on the mat.Yoga provides an opportunity to cultivate community
Sharing physical experiences creates a sense of closeness among individuals. In any yoga session, participants show up together, and then witness each other in vulnerable moments—sweating, pushing through difficulties, and embracing challenges. These shared circumstances naturally bring people together, cultivating a beautifully supportive community. Yoga buddies are the best.My favorite yoga mat(s)
As a registered yoga teacher and a student of the practice for 25 years, I have certainly tested out a lot of different yoga mats. That said, I can save you some time and money by sharing with you what I have found in hopes of making your practice a bit more comfortable while feeling good about JADE Yoga's focus on sustainability. From their website:
Jade makes eco-friendly yoga mats and give back to the earth with every product sold. In addition to being eco-friendly, Jade mats come in fun colors and have incredible grip and comfort. Jade mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a rapidly renewable resource and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. And, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold – with over Two Million Trees planted so far.
It's an award-winning mat:
Links to my favorites:
Jade Harmony Mat I bought my first Jade Harmony mat at a local studio. I was drawn to the beautiful colors first, but then loved that they were made from rubber trees (a renewable resource) and that the company plants a tree for every mat sold. I wound up buying two more over the years, both in different colors. That said, they do wear to the point they need replaced. I contribute that to the non-synthetic materials and if that's the case, I'd rather replace them every few years than to sniff in the chemicals from PVC, EVA and other synthetic rubber (think about Child's Pose, for example). Jade Harmony is an award-winning mat. Grip and traction are both great and it comes in two lengths. Have I mentioned their beautiful colors?
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to email me at meredith@bigloveyogalife.com.
Big love!
Meredith
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products I personally use and love!
Our most popular mat provides great traction and cushion while still providing stability for standing poses.
Incredible grip, great comfort and eco-friendly
Eco-friendly: Made with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource
Non-toxic: Jade mats contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber, and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws.
Dimensions: 3/16" thick, 24" wide, available in two lengths: 68" and 74”, and weighs about 5 pounds. (For a wider and longer variety, see Harmony XW at 28" wide)
Length: available in 68" and 72"
Be The Change: Through our partnership with Trees for the Future, JADE PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY MAT SOLD – with over TWO MILLION trees planted so far.
Firm and Durable: Jade's ELITE S mat is specifically designed for those with vigorous practice, making it our most durable mat yet!
Designed for a flowing practice: The ELITE S is ideal for Ashtanga, and those with more flowing practices
Extra dense top layer gives the mat added firmness and durability, while its smooth surface boasts outstanding grip for almost any practice.
Eco-friendly: Made with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource
Non-toxic: Jade mats contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber, and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws.
Dimensions: 3/16" thick, 24" wide, and 71" long and weight approximately 5 lbs
Be The Change: Through our partnership with Trees for the Future, JADE PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY MAT SOLD – with over TWO MILLION trees planted so far.
Here's the Jade Harmony mat in Saffron in action. This is me teaching at the beautiful Barn at Cedar Hill in Salisbury, NC.
While I still roll out my Jade Harmony mat, my Elite S model is my current go-to. It's a bit heavier than the Harmony, which, in my mind, makes it a bit more durable. It's got a greater price point (coming in around $130 compared to the Harmony's $92 price tag). That weight also means it's a bit thicker, which was a good upgrade for me. Grip and traction are a bit better on the Elite S model, and it stays put during my classes. This mat comes in only one color (teal), which might be a detractor for you. It was for me at the beginning, but I love the quality of the mat so much that I am over it at this point. :)
All said and done, Jade is the company in which to invest. Their eco-friendly mats, focus on sustainability, and plant-a-tree method are all huge positives.
The Jade Elite S mat in action at an outdoor yoga class at Salisbury, NC's urban green space, the Bell Tower Green.