Yoga In The Park: There Are Many Benefits You Can Enjoy

Yoga's gentle movements are a big reason for why it’s so popular. Yoga is good for people who haven't been active in a while. It’s good for people who have certain health conditions like Arthritis or Osteoporosis. You can change the exercises to fit your needs. But Yoga is also great if you're already fit and want a challenging workout. As you become more strong and flexible with Yoga, it's easier to do other kinds of exercise like Dancing, Walking, or Swimming.

According to John Hopkins Medicine there are many benefits of Yoga:

1. Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.

Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

Try it: Tree Pose
Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle. Try to focus on one spot in front of you, while you balance for one minute.

2. Yoga helps with back pain relief.

Yoga is as good as basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain. The American College of Physicians recommends Yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.

Try it: Cat-Cow Pose
Get on all fours, placing your palms underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. First, inhale, as you let your stomach drop down toward the floor. Then, exhale, as you draw your navel toward your spine, arching your spine like a cat stretching.

3. Yoga can ease Arthritis symptoms.

Gentle Yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen Joints for people with Arthritis, according to a Johns Hopkins review of 11 recent studies.

4. Yoga benefits Heart Health.

Regular Yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to Heart Disease, including High Blood Pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through Yoga.

Try it: Downward Dog Pose
Get on all fours, then tuck your toes under and bring your sitting bones up, so that you make a triangle shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees, while lengthening your spine and tailbone.

5. Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better.

Research shows that a consistent bedtime Yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Try It: Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Sit with your left side against a wall, then gently turn right and lift your legs up to rest against the wall, keeping your back on the floor and your sitting bones close to the wall. You can remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.

6. Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods.

You may feel increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm, and fewer negative feelings after getting into a routine of practicing Yoga.

7. Yoga helps you manage Stress.

According to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence shows that Yoga supports Stress Management, Mental Health, mindfulness, healthy eating, Weight Loss and quality sleep.

Try It: Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie down with your limbs gently stretched out, away from the body, with your palms facing up. Try to clear your mind while breathing deeply. You can hold this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.

8. Yoga connects you with a supportive community.

Participating in Yoga Classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support. Even during one-on-one sessions loneliness is reduced as one is acknowledged as a unique individual, being listened to and participating in the creation of a personalized Yoga plan.

Registration Information

Registration is required to attend and must be completed prior to attending the class. Participants must provide valid proof of Aventura residency to access the park on the day of class.

Registration is now open and available online only by creating a NEW account on the City’s new Online Registration System (ORS). Please visit: www.cityofaventura.com/ors - to create a new account by following a few simple steps:

• Click the Register for Programs link at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors
• On the new ORS dashboard page, find and click the Create Account button.
• Follow the instructions to set up the account including family members.
• Upload picture(s) to be used for identification.
• Verify address and residency.

For more information, please contact the City’s Community Services Department at: (305) 466-3883. Or via email at: parksrec@cityofaventura.com.