Yoga is kinder to the body.This does not mean yoga cannot be intense- Ashtanga yoga is a good example of an intense workout. Yoga builds heat and works your muscles, but you’re doing what your body allows you to do and not attempting to lift weights and pound on the joints—both of which can cause injury. Yoga also stretches as you move through the postures and a good yoga practice builds on itself to prepare the body for the next position.

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Yoga benefits the full internal and external body.The twisting, stretching and folding of a Yoga practice are good for the digestive system, the circulatory system, the lymph system and more. It’s a great way to detox the body and can improve your cardiovascular system. At the same time you develop stronger muscles. A gym workout is focused mostly on strengthening muscles and boosting cardio.

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Yoga teaches body consciousness. At the gym, you might feel great running on the treadmill or lifting weights, but do you ever feel way too sore afterwards? Sometimes during a workout routine, we become so caught up in the goal that we fail to pay attention to our bodies. Yoga primarily focuses on the integrity of the body during the poses rather than just at the end of the workout. Teachers will encourage you to check in with your joints, muscles, and spine to ensure proper alignment to keep the body safe. By teaching body consciousness, yoga can help prevent injury and encourage you to be more mindful about how you move off the mat.

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Yoga eases your aches and pains. A gym workout increases them. Yoga slowly stretches muscles and opens up the body. The increased flexibility keeps muscles and joints lubricated and healthy. Weights and treadmill can cause strain which leads to soreness and injuries.

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Yoga is calming. We move through practice with a calm, relaxed expression. No grunting, dropping weights, clenched teeth or grimacing expressions like you see at the gym. The overall intention is to release tension throughout the body and mind.