Let me take your hand as we enter the world of yoga. FYI, yoga is not just about touching your toes or getting into the splits. After 10 years of teaching accessible yoga on PBS, I’m excited to give you a few pointers to help you get started and share what benefits to expect as you begin a regular yoga practice.

The benefits I'm going to describe to you are the reinforcement to inspire you to start a yoga practice. The revelation at the end will be what keeps you coming back to the mat. So, let’s dive into these seven transformative benefits.

Yoga isn’t just about the body; it’s a brain booster too. You’ll keep that mind sharp and memory intact with a regular yoga routine.

In our fast-paced world, yoga’s slow breaths and stretches help you let go of stress and catch those Z’s with more ease.

Yoga isn’t just physical; it's a powerful combination of mindfulness, exercise, and deep breathing. Studies show that certain poses, like child’s pose or bridge pose, help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us find a sense of calm.

Got chronic pain? Yoga’s got your back, literally. It improves flexibility, reduces inflammation, and might just be your pain relief hero.

Yoga helps improve your posture, reducing neck pain and boosting your energy levels—perfect for all the desk dwellers out there.

Combat muscle loss after 30 with yoga’s strength-building moves. Plus, research suggests it's likely to enhance your bone density game.

Yoga keeps you on your feet as you age, preventing falls and injuries. Forget the fancy poses; functional movements, like putting on your socks, become a breeze.

So there you have it, yoga isn’t just a workout—it’s a lifestyle. The combination of all these benefits will keep you returning to the mat.

“Let me know in the comments below which benefits you can use the most, and let’s start your yoga journey today.”

Consider beginning with a chair yoga practice or a traditional yoga practice. Which will you choose to do today? Let’s take the first step together, and remember to wear your happy yoga smile. Namaste.