Yoga classes offer a wealth of benefits for women, here are just some of the reasons yoga classes are important for women: 

1. Physical strength and flexibility: 

When I first stepped on my mat over 10 years ago, I remember my whole body trembling with the task of holding me upright for longer than it was used to. Arms up for five breaths, knees bent in squat-like positions, push-up and press down and all manner of poses were all tremendously challenging for my body. That initial class put me off for a while until I decided to commit to a regular yoga practice. Every day, no matter what, I started my day with 45 mins to 1 hour of yoga. My movements became more graceful as my body became more toned, I worked hard on my mat, knowing that I was on a journey of strength and peace. My posture improved as the muscles in my back and my core developed. I started to feel more confident and strong and agile. As I reach for my toes, I saw them closer and closer and closer every day until I eventually reached my toes. My body began to feel like a nimble and elastic spring. Strong and tensile, malleable and filled with radiating energy and movement. I began to feel more and more physically myself and more tuned into my subtleties. 

2. Hormonal balance and reproductive health

As a woman, hormonal balance is almost a daily thought as we cycle through highs and lows, introversion and extroversion, inspiration and introspection. Yoga helps me to tune into my various cyclical moods, feelings and sensations, allowing me to become more aware of myself and where I'm at within my cycle. With this heightened self-awareness, I am more able to tailor my activitives to my needs, helping me self-regulate better. My eating is more tuned into my needs - what, how much and when I eat depends on my cycle phase. How much I move, whether I focus on strength, cardio or relaxation are all decisions made easier when you are at peace with yourself and more aware of yourself and your needs. 

3. Stress relief and mental wellness

I am what some would describe as a highly sensitive person. As a highly sensitive person, I am very receptive to harsh environments, strong emotions around me, strong smells, loud noises and all manner of subtlety that somehow deeply affects me. The fast-paced, overstimulating world that we live in can often make me feel like my safe and pure bubble of existence is under seige. Yoga allows me to carve out time in the day for restoration. Different to sleep, it's a nourishing mindfulness practice that feels like it gently clicks everything back into place, healing any wounds and bringing breath and compassion back into my space. 

4. Community and support

My yoga practice used to occur in isolation from others - a real sanctuary away from everything. More and more, I'm recognising that many people that practice yoga are kind and loving people eager to make friends and have long and interesting conversations. My passion for yoga has helped me connect with so many amazing people and I am always excited to meet more. Yoga is a safe space for community and authentic openness. It's great to joining together with a shared goal of health and peace of mind, body and spirit. 

5. Boosts confidence and self-acceptance 

My journey is a classic one of self-loathing to self-love. My yoga practice started as one of brute force and hard discipline until I realised it didn't need to be. I learned to rest more, and to be grateful, to savour the present moment and to appreciate what I have. As my posture changed and I started to stand up tall and proud, my mind stilled and started to listen to a new narrative of confidence and self-assuredness. I have learned that our body and mind is different every day and what a gift it is to live and breathe. By recognising the different patterns in my mind, I have learned to gently reprogram the way that I speak to myself, introducing more love and kindness into my subconscious.