What types of people do yoga? What brought you to this practice? Why do you keep stepping on the mat?
All types of people do yoga – young and old, short and tall, slim and large, stiff and flexible, men and women. I started youngish (18), to help manage chronic knee pain.
We all come to yoga for different reasons.
Some people come because they are injured and can’t do their normal training (and soon discover how wonderful the practice is), many people come to ease depression and anxiety, some people come to yoga so they might build strength (that was me), of course people come to lengthen out tight and short muscles.
In short yoga appeals to:
Athletes: enhancing their performance and minimizing risk of injury.
Students: increasing focus, decreasing stress and anxiety.
Parents: Hey – kids are stressful sometimes (yes let’s admit it…. ) This practice can help parents embrace the patience & understanding needed and also connect to a sense of self – some time to spend just on them. (we do need to fill the bank – not just empty it)
Community: A sense of community or belonging is a basic need along with shelter and food.  Being a part of a regular yoga class can give us a sense of community and belonging. We share in the challenges and the joys of practice together and feel closer because of that shared experience
Sufferers:  Back pain? Trouble sleeping?  Anxiety?  Depression? Hip pain? Headaches?  Low energy? These are just some of the reasons that we find ourselves on the mat. Often people come to yoga to help fix some type of physical pain, but also energetic or mental disturbance or imbalance.

What health benefits are there for people doing yoga both in the short and long term?

Short term – even one yoga class is better than none.  We take the opportunity to actually take notice of what’s happening in our body. Maybe even learn tools to help us in daily life. To be accepting, patient, kind, to think and act without forceful action – and maybe even stretch out and build strength as well!
Long term – All that and more! Our bodies and minds become resilient – strong, flexible, aware. Our joints remain in better shape – more fluid and lubricated, our immune system is stronger, digestion is improved (dis  – ease in the digestive system can express itself as disease in the body), we sleep better – which restores all of our bodies systems.  Our brain is sharp, focused and uncluttered.

Why do you step on the mat? Share your experience with us in the comment box below