How Does Yoga Strengthen Muscles?

While it may seem that yoga does not strengthen muscles, in reality this sport is much more difficult than it looks. Today we look at how yoga strengthens muscles and throw false beliefs in the trash.

Yoga helps to harmonize body and mind while working on balance. The great thing about yoga is that it makes us focus on our muscles.

Yoga strengthens muscles

One reason why yoga strengthens muscles is that it requires strength. However, not all types of yoga work in the same way; some are more “fitness-type” or “athletic” than others.

For example, astanga, vinyasa or power yoga is considered the best option for increasing strength. The question is: how do they do it?

• Ashtanga: Consists of different positions that are made in succession with smooth movement. The movements are accelerated and there are no rest breaks between them.

• Vinyasa: Also known as flow yoga. This yoga utilizes asanas which, when made in succession, form a certain kind of pattern and snap evenly.
• Power Yoga: Includes fitness and pilates movements. Music can range from jazz to Seoul or hip hop. This is an innovative type of yoga.

The postures are challenging

Some yoga postures are challenging. For example, Kurki or bakasana is not suitable for beginners. In this position, balance is very important, as is the strength of the arms.

Each asana should be kept for a certain period of time. Part is done using body weight. This makes the muscles tense and work.

Let’s look at some other positions:

• Sun position ( purulan word) : ideal for weight loss and arm firming.
• Chair position ( foot level) : Works on balance and also helps to strengthen and firm the buttocks and thighs.
• Plank position ( utthita chaturanga dandasana ): Firms the arms, legs and buttocks. It is important not to try these movements by force, because if you are not flexible enough or you have just started yoga, you may hurt yourself. Although yoga seems like a risk-free sport, there is a danger.

Yoga trains the whole body

Yoga strengthens muscles because they are not processed separately. All muscles have to work at the same time to reach a certain position.

In the most challenging movements, for example, the chest, arms (stretchers and biceps), shoulders, legs, abdominal muscles, oblique abdominal muscles, etc. can be worked on at the same time.

By working many muscles at the same time, some of the muscles have to support other muscles to allow movement. If those parts of the body do not cooperate, the position will not work.

Yoga gradually works the muscles

It is true that lifting weights can increase muscles faster. But the benefits of practicing yoga far outweigh the benefits of training with gym equipment. Yoga gradually builds muscle while improving balance and also doing good to the psyche.

Yoga can complement weight lifting. But if you just want to firm your body and gain more strength, yoga may be enough.

The key to yoga is perseverance and a gradual transition to more difficult postures. Many of them are frustrating at first because they don’t succeed right away. Doing yoga posture correctly requires time and practice.

Do you practice yoga regularly? Did you see any changes in your body after practicing it for a few months? We warmly recommend trying this species as it has so much to offer.