One of the most effective ways to get and stay healthy is to build muscle. Not only do you improve your metabolism by building muscle, but you also make daily duties a little simpler for yourself. But, does this mean that lifting weights is the only way to build muscle? Does yoga help you gain muscle? Let’s get started on that right away.
The Advantages of Strength Training
Strength training is necessary for a variety of reasons. Strength training has a number of advantages, the most important of which is that it protects your heart. Lifting for less than an hour a week, according to one study, can cut your chance of a heart attack or stroke by up to 70%. Other benefits include lower body fat, decreased risk of injury as you age, more confidence, greater speed, and many more.
Is Yoga a Strengthening Exercise?
Yoga is intended to help you focus inward. However, one of the additional advantages is that it is a great form of exercise. You might know some yoga practitioners who have long, lean muscles. Try to ask them if they weight train. Some may say yes, while others may not. This is due to the fact that yoga can help you gain strength by itself. Regular yoga practice can help you increase strength and tone your body. Not only that, but yoga also helps you stretch and alleviate tension that has built up as a result of weight lifting. So, in a nutshell, sure, yoga can absolutely help you build strength, and additionally, it can complement any traditional weight training you are practicing.
When It Comes to Muscle Building, Not All Yoga is Created Equal
Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Restorative, and Vinyasa are just a handful of the various forms of yoga. However, some of them put a greater emphasis on introspection, restoration, and stretching. Those types of yoga may not be the best for muscle development (but still incredible for your routine). Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga are more relaxing types of yoga. Some other forms of yoga focus on movement along with breath or holding poses. Vinyasa, Hot Yoga, Flow, and Ashtanga are just a few schools of yoga that focus on strengthening and building muscle.
Yoga’s Muscle-Building Benefits
As you practice yoga, the core of your body is the primary focus. Balance, flowing movements, stretching, and other similar exercises will almost certainly be required to maintain certain poses. Our balance and flexibility can start to deteriorate as we age. By focusing on strengthening the muscles around your core and being intentional about balance, you can walk with improved posture and stability overall as you age.
Should Strength Training be Replaced by Yoga?
We believe that the best fitness routine is well-rounded. Some people simply do not appreciate weightlifting and prefer to improve their muscle strength by incorporating HIIT exercises, yoga, PiYo, and plyometrics into their workout routine. According to the American Heart Association, it’s essential to make strength training a priority at least two times per week.
How Frequently Should I Practice Yoga?
Yoga’s low-impact nature allows you to practice it on a daily basis. Either they’re combining Yin with Vinyasa and Restorative, or they’re doing some other combination. According to studies, doing yoga just once a week is enough to get the physical and emotional benefits of yoga. Even if you only try yoga once, you will feel calmer and lighter overall. So, figure out what works best for you —whether it’s 10-minutes every day, a couple of hours in a week, or somewhere in between — then stick to that schedule and be consistent.
