Yoga Can Help Develop Strength

Yoga focuses on the body as a whole to strengthen it. The movements are all closed-chain, meaning they employ body weight and are performed with hands or feet in touch with the floor (as opposed to an open-chain exercise like a biceps curl). Some positions are held still, isometrically stimulating the muscles (holding the fibres long against resistance). Sun salutations, for example, include flowing from posture to stance, engaging and releasing muscles through concentric and eccentric contractions.

Yoga, like weight-room strength training, offers joint stability when done correctly—with attention to alignment. Yoga postures help to strengthen the muscles and tendons that stabilise the joints, which helps to prevent both acute and repetitive-stress injuries. Standing poses are particularly beneficial for strengthening and stretching the hip muscles while also strengthening the tiny stabilising muscles of the lower leg. In sports, this combination results in increased power and flexibility.

Yoga will help strengthen your core, not just in positions that focus the core but also in standing and balance postures. These positions aid in the development of whole-body functional strength and promote increased awareness of the body and breath.

Holding difficult poses also promotes mental fortitude. On the mat, you'll pay attention to your mental and emotional reactions to your physical circumstances and learn how to control the level of tension. You'll be familiar with using your breath and form to find strength whether you're in comparable difficult situations in competition or in life.