How does yoga 'work'?

[RosesandMoonshine]

I'm quite new to it and still exploring. I have been following a few online videos this summer and have done a few classes, although unfortunately they didn't involve teaching me how to do it, or offering any suggestions/corrections, so I mostly do about 20 mins a day at home.

I have been studying the history and philosophy of yoga and am pretty hooked (it's very much my kind of thing!) but I'm still somewhat nonplussed about how it actually affects us. What are the actual physical benefits of practicing and are they....tangible to you?
I get that the feeling is most important, I often feel very capable, energised yet relaxed after a session, but have not noticed any actual changes in my body or 'being' so far. I'm not after anything in particular, I'm just attracted to it and it feels good, but I would love to know if there's anything specific you get out of it?

I know a lot of people use it for pain management, which is understandable, but when I look at asanas such as cow face pose and forward fold, I wonder what exactly it is doing for the body/mind? (apart from stretching).

Do you find yoga to be more of a mental thing or physical? If you are not into the spiritual/philosophical side of yoga, what does it do for you, personally?

Strength and flexibility. General feeling of keeping my body moving, understanding it and being good to myself.

For me..its a mixture of things. Peace and calmess when in class..clearing the mind.
Physically stretching and keeping me flexible. Space just for me! Not sure if that makes sense

Do you find yoga to be more of a mental thing or physical? If you are not into the spiritual/philosophical side of yoga, what does it do for you, personally?

The spiritual stuff is all nonsense to me. I tune it out. What I get out of yoga is pretty similar to Pilates-a great strength and flexibility workout that is challenging without getting me sweaty.

There are so many different types of yoga it can vary a lot. Some focus more on the mind, some on flexibility, some on strength etc. I do a lot a mix of vinyasa and hatha, focusing more on the physical asana rather than meditation (although I like a little meditation at the end). When I really focus and do a lot of it my body changes a lot, I notice a lot of full body strength as well as flexibility, and I’m able to do a lot of arm balances and things I never thought would be possible. But that’s only when I do hour long practices several times a week consistently. But even at the moment just doing 20 minute mellow flows since having my DS I still feel much better from it, but don’t have anywhere near the strength I get when I can fully commit.

It is holistic movement that has both physical and cognitive effects. Whether you are into the spiritual bit or not, there is a profound effect on the mind when then body is unwound of tension and functioning with ease and strength.

Also - if you want to gain full benefit go to a class to learn a yoga practice deeply. I believe that the collective nature of practicing with others to be part of the benefit.

Different strokes for different folks. I use my practice for strength (it’s a particular kind of strength, with having to hold the poses) and flexibility. It’s good for breathing too. I’m a PT and I do a lot of cardio and weight training, so yoga balances that out.

I find it enjoyably calming but for me, personally, there’s no spiritual element to it.

Thank you, it's great to see what others feel about it.

I personally prefer gentle, slow flows, so get along well with Adrienne, Kassandra, etc. Whenever i do vigorous yoga I don't feel as much of a 'buzz' after, so I appreciate we are all different!

I have read claims that yoga lowers inflammation in the body, amongst other things, which I am curious about. I've done a bit of research on the science stuff but can't really find anything solid. One of the most fascinating things for me has been learning about anatomy, something I had never given much thought to prior to practicing. In that sense it has given me a broader understanding of my own body, and there's a growing awareness of how my mind and body connect. It's good stuff!

I am curious about certain poses though, and exactly why they matter?? Like cow face pose, I kind of enjoy doing it, and have read the traditional, metaphoric stories about many of the poses, but I can't quite see exactly what benefit they are in a stricter sense, iykwim?

Following! I’ve practised yoga on and off but I’m hoping to get into more of a routine with it.

Interesting thread , I tried it years ago but didn't realise there were different types of yoga

I didn't enjoy the "spiritual" side of the yoga sessions I started.....it may just have been the instructor I didn't gel with. I now do pilates which I love, all the focus, stretching and well being with out the hippy dippy stuff being chanted at me.

Each to their own. Some love the exercise and tend to go for vinyasa flow, others like the postures and sense of release and go for hatha or yin yoga. The more spiritual I suppose you could say go for nidra and kundilini yoga.

Cow face pose for me gives a great shoulder stretch, the hips are usually painful so distract from the shoulders enabling a deeper stretch.

I love deep stretches, finding my edge, breathing into it for time. It releases all the feel good hormones. It allows me to think about what I want to release in my life. Also it is a way of knowing my own body, honouring its uniqueness, strengths, limitations etc. I find the meditation at start and end gets my head out the way and into my body - great for relaxation and anti-anxiety. There is for me a spiritual element, touching something lovely inside, peaceful.

I'm a great fan of yoga and always find myself recommending it to people for all manner of things, from trauma recovery to postural issues.

There’s the most fantastic book actually called How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach.
thoroughly recommend!