Yoga offers a wide range of health benefits and each type of asana offers slightly different benefits to the mind, body and spirit. Balance poses improve balance, both in the body and in the mind.
Balance poses improve coordination, increase strength and develop stability. With regular practice, you will be better coordinated and benefit from improvements in strength and stability during your practice and in your daily life. As people age, improved stability and balance results in fewer injuries that result from falling.
Each balance pose works to strengthen different muscles and joints of the body. Standing balance poses strengthen the legs and knee joints, while arm balances strengthen the wrists, arm and shoulder muscles. For this reason, including a variety of balance poses in your practice is essential to get the full benefits.
Balance poses provide emotional benefits, as well as physical benefits. Balance poses are helpful for relieving stress, reducing tension and fatigue. These asanas also help to improve focus, concentration and memory.
Various balance poses are used in all levels of yoga from classes for beginners to advanced classes. Some asanas that improve balance include tree pose, boat pose, eagle pose, warrior III, dancer’s pose, half moon pose, all arm balances and many others.
Balance isn’t just physical balance, but also emotional and spiritual balance. Life sometimes seems so hectic and out of control, which is the result of being out of balance. The relaxation experienced during and after yoga class helps to bring focus and balance to your life off the mat.
The concept of becoming centered is addressed in all forms of yoga and this idea isn’t just for yoga class. When you are centered, you are better able to handle the curves and bumps in the road. You are less likely to lose your temper at home, at work or in traffic when you are balanced.