5 Possible Benefits of Yoga Classes at Be Real Sports Fitness Studio

Have you ever tried yoga? I'll be honest. I make this joke all the time because it's true. I have the flexibility of a 2 x 4. My frame literally looks like a piece of wood you could find at a construction site. I watched yoga classes but was always afraid to try it because I didn't think I could do it. I have never thought of myself as a "flexible" person.

But, here's the truth. Yoga actually helped me improve my flexibility. In fact, yoga is a great workout for a variety of other reasons as well. And my friends at Be Real Sports Fitness Studio have yoga classes designed to help you achieve these necessary benefits.

#1- Improved Emotional Health

I'm not sure about you, but my job can be mentally exhausting. I mean, I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything. However, because of the nature of the radio business, I am always "on." You know what I mean? I don't get many opportunities to put my mind at ease and really, fully relax. My mind is constantly jumping from one thing to the next- what we're doing tomorrow on the morning show, that appearance I have this weekend or the next charity event I am emceeing. I always joke that I have made a living of having ADHD.

But a recent study conducted by Duke University actually reinforced what I believe was a benefit of yoga after trying it for the first time. It's REALLY good for your mental health.  It helps with relaxation and concentration by centering you, keeping you focused in the present and blocking out all the noise of the outside world. In today's world, if I can get an hour of that, I'm all in!

#2- Improved Flexibility

And we're back to the 2 x 4 comment. There was a time, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, that I actually was pretty flexible. I could actually do the splits (you're welcome for the visual.  LOL).

Well, those days are gone! But I have a friend in NYC (my friend Chris). He's well into his 50s, practices yoga every single day and can still do them. And, repeat: He's in his late 50s! It's unbelievable how much range of motion he has still and he attributes it all to the power of yoga and the way it stretches, conditions and flexes the muscles and joints of the body.

Now, clearly, I have no real reason to do the splits at 47 years old. However, I would like to be able do achieve some sort of stretch that doesn't automatically result in aches and pains and me making some horrible noise. Yoga does just that. It's amazing how it challenges the limits and restrictions we mentally assign to our bodies.

#3- Achieve Muscle Tone

This, for me, is one of yoga's greatest benefits. I have always been in pretty good physical shape. But, I spent the first half of my life (honestly, into my 30's) without much muscle definition. I have been a tennis player my whole life so I have always been relatively thin. My legs are really strong. But my right arm (because of tennis and baseball/softball) has always been much bigger than my left. But yoga is a great way to tone up . . . not just the arms and legs, but the core. I don't have a six pack by any stretch of the imagination, but at least my abdomen's not a keg either.

#4- Reduce Back Pain

I had a serious knee injury back in 2003. My left leg got swiped during a coed softball game at Jack C. Fisher Park. When it happened, I honestly thought my knee was broken. Thankfully, it wasn't. But I ended up in a knee brace for about half a year.

During that time, my body overcompensated, because I couldn't put full pressure on my left leg. The right side of my body took over to support the majority of my weight. Consequently, I developed sciatic nerve issues, which persisted for about two to three years. It was horrible. Waking up and rolling out of bed was a daily chore.

I had always heard of sciatica, but had no clue, until I developed it, how painful and debilitating it could be. And, I was in my 30s. Part of my physical therapy involved yoga-inspired stretching. It worked! To this day, when I want to stretch, my go-to pose is Child's Pose. Nothing stretches out my lower back more effectively. I do this routinely after exercising. It's amazing!

#5- Convenient Class Schedule

Be Real Sports Fitness Studio offers a variety of yoga classes, which are perfect for flexibility, core and everything I have listed above. Obviously, individual results and benefits will vary. But you're going to feel great, physically and mentally.  Be Real offers Midday Meditation & Light Yoga, Level 1 Yoga, Beginner Basic classes and classes that are suitable for All Levels!

And here's an added bonus and cool feature of the yoga classes at Be Real. As with their Zwift training for cyclists, Be Real Sports Fitness Studio uses their giant projection screen to take you to different exotic and peaceful locations around the world. I mean, who wouldn't want do the aforementioned Child's Pose in a rain forest? Is there anything more relaxing or stress-free?  Likely not.

Be Real's yoga class prices are quite affordable too and no monthly membership is required. For example, individual yoga classes are $15 per person. Plus, there are options that allow you to save money. You can buy a 5-pack for $60, a 10-pack for $100 or you can buy unlimited classes for just $80 per month.

Ready to get started? Call 270-240-2019 or click here!