12 Goodgym members separately went out in the month of May to litter pick local streets and green spaces!

Phil said One full bag and 4 thank yous

A few GoodGym people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

One of the reasons yoga feels so different from other forms of exercise is the way it blends static postures with deep relaxation — often in a rhythmic flow between effort and ease.

Holding a posture engages the muscles, fascia, and nervous system, stimulating mild stress that builds strength and stability. But unlike many workouts, yoga follows this with a deliberate release — a moment to soften, breathe, and recalibrate.

This alternation between gentle stress and conscious relaxation helps train the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that governs rest, recovery, and digestion. Research shows that practices like yoga can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), slow the heart rate, and activate brain regions linked to calm and emotional regulation (Harvard Health, 2021; National Institutes of Health).

Over time, this practice creates a kind of inner intelligence: the body learns how to let go, not just in stillness, but in life. The breath leads the way, the body follows, and the mind is invited to settle.

That’s what makes yoga unique — it’s not just a workout, it’s a training in how to return to balance.

A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga.

Yoga talk - why can you feel so relaxed at the end of the yoga session? Here is the science

The profound relaxation you feel after an hour of yoga, particularly while lying on your back in Savasana (dead Pose), comes down to a combination of nervous system regulation, muscular release, and mental state shifts. Here’s the science behind it:

1. Nervous System Shift: Activation of the Parasympathetic Response

Yoga, especially when combined with breath control (pranayama) and mindful movement, actively stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)—the “rest and digest” mode of your autonomic nervous system. • During yoga, slow, controlled breathing (e.g., deep diaphragmatic breathing) signals to the vagus nerve, which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reducing overall stress. • The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) is gradually downregulated, leaving you in a calm, deeply relaxed state. • By the time you reach Savasana, your body has already been primed for a full restorative response.

1. Muscular and Fascial Relaxation: Letting Go of Tension • During yoga, tense muscles are stretched and contracted, allowing them to release stored tension. This results in a rebound effect where, by the end of the session, your muscles are more relaxed than they would be in passive rest alone. • The slow, deliberate movements increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation, helping remove metabolic waste and reduce soreness. • Fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) is also hydrated and loosened, further enhancing your feeling of ease.

2. Brainwave Changes: Entering a Meditative State • Research has shown that meditative movement practices like yoga can increase alpha and theta brainwave activity, which are associated with deep relaxation and a dreamlike, creative state. • By the end of a yoga session, your brain may be in a state similar to light sleep or deep meditation, explaining why lying in Savasana feels more relaxing than simply lying in bed.

3. Sensory Deprivation and Grounding Effect • Unlike a bed, which is soft and may contour to your body, a firm mat on the floor provides deep proprioceptive feedback, making your nervous system feel safe and supported. • Lying flat allows for even distribution of body weight, reducing pressure points and further promoting relaxation. • The lack of distractions (e.g., no pillows, no electronic devices) encourages a deeper connection to the body and breath.

4. Breath and CO₂ Regulation • Yoga breathing techniques help optimize oxygen and CO₂ balance, preventing over-breathing (which can contribute to anxiety). • This efficient gas exchange leads to a greater sense of calm and presence, making Savasana feel profoundly restful.

Why It Feels Even Better Than Your Bed • Unlike in bed, where you might associate the space with sleep, thoughts, or distractions, Savasana is a conscious, intentional relaxation practice. • The contrast effect—going from effort (yoga postures) to complete stillness—amplifies the sense of relief and relaxation. • Body awareness and mindfulness cultivated during yoga allow you to fully appreciate the present moment, reducing mental chatter and creating a state of profound ease.

Conclusion

Yoga’s ability to downregulate stress, relax muscles, shift brainwave activity, and optimize breathing makes post-yoga relaxation feel uniquely deep and satisfying. The experience of Savasana on a firm mat can feel even better than a bed because it offers grounding, sensory simplicity, and a state of complete mental and physical release—a truly “reset” for both body and mind.

A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga

Yoga talk

Check out this study that highlights the connection between mind and body.

https://thehealthsciencesacademy.org/health-tips/strengthen-your-muscles-by-thought-alone/

The connection between mental training and yoga can be seen in how yoga emphasizes mindfulness and intentional muscle engagement. In yoga, visualizing movements and focusing on muscle activation, even in static poses, may lead to physical benefits similar to the mental training studies. The mental focus in yoga helps create a "mind-muscle connection," potentially enhancing strength, flexibility, and muscle control, as seen in research where mental exercises alone improved muscle strength. Yoga’s meditative aspect reinforces this connection, blending physical and mental conditioning.