Why yoga can be beneficial to your exercise regime

POLOKWANE – Who’s to say that physical health and fitness requires strenuous exercise to achieve results?

Yoga is a science of well being where you typically explore holding postures and breathing to help you feel more relaxed and more centered in mind, body and spirit.

Yoga instructor, Sehlapelo Sidney Maleka explained that contrary to what some people think, yoga is not a religion, but an exercise.

Maleka started yoga in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic because he wanted to explore various ways to continue being physically active.

“Yoga became the answer as it was something that I always wanted to try out. I started out practicing alone at home and then started teaching and hosting retreats at various locations in Venda from October 2021,” he explained.

He has hosted six retreats thus far.

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There are multiple health benefits to yoga, he said.

“It improves flexibility, balance, and posture. It also reduces heart rate which can help in tackling emotions in stressful situations, help you to sleep better and also change your mindset as it involves a lot of breath work and awareness of the body,” he added.

Maleka dispels the misconception that you must be slim and flexible to start yoga as anyone can do it, young or old.

“It is advisable for children to start at 7/8-years-old,” he said.

He hosts classes and retreats throughout the year and can be contacted on 073 581 9095, via Instagram or through the Fitbywix app to join his online community using code ZIT13E.

Maleka will be hosting a yoga retreat on at the Polokwane Cricket Club later this year.