While yoga in and of itself represents an extremely healthy lifestyle, there are other physical activities which can help to further augment its benefits. Whether you have just begun practising yoga or you are a seasoned veteran, it is always a good idea to add another “string to the bow”. Let’s look at five physical activities which can compliment your current routine.
Strength Training
Any type of yoga will involve a certain amount of muscular conditioning. This is why strength training can represent an excellent addition to your current regimen. Training with weights or even your bodyweight can help you tackle even the toughest of poses and there is no doubt that your endurance will be increased.
Hiking
Research has shown than brisk walks and short hikes can dramatically increase the capacity of your lungs. As breathing is so very important when practising yoga, it only stands to reason that low-impact cardiovascular activities will offer positive results. Of course, hiking within the confines of nature is also a great way to relax thanks to its meditative qualities.
Swimming
Swimming is another excellent low-impact activity to consider. Swimming is also a great method to build up your endurance if you happen to be engaged in more challenging forms of yoga. Another reason why swimming can provide benefits involves the fact you will not be placing additional strain upon your joints. In fact, this activity has often been used as a form of rehabilitation when recovering from an injury. Swimming can also be an excellent way to cool down after an intense hot yoga session.
Pilates
It should not come as a surprise that Pilates has been included within this discussion. Pilates offers several unique benefits. First and foremost, it helps to increase your sense of balance while strengthening your core muscle groups (both directly related to yoga). Furthermore, the increased strength that Pilates will provide is often beneficial when tackling inversions and similarly challenging yoga poses. The good news is that you will normally require no other equipment than the mats to be found here: www.yogastudiostore.com/yoga-mats.
Martial Arts
Both yoga and martial arts share a number of eastern philosophical principles in common. This is why it makes perfect sense to employ the two in conjunction. Not only will each provide a whole-body workout, but their associated meditative qualities are ideal if you have been looking to develop a more balanced view of the world. In fact, many martial arts classes will offer yoga sessions as additional options. Specific arts to consider include Tai Chi and even some forms of Aikido.
Although yoga is an excellent art form in and of itself, there is absolutely nothing wrong with enhancing its effects through the use of additional forms of physical activity. The five recommendations mentioned above are all ideal solutions, so take some time to determine which is the best for your unique goals. You will undoubtedly notice a difference within a short period of time.
