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Sat 31st May at 8:00pm
Tue 13th May at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
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 â 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 â a moment to soften, breathe, and recalibrate.
This alternation between gentle stress and conscious relaxation helps train the parasympathetic nervous system â 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.
Thatâs what makes yoga unique â itâs not just a workout, itâs a training in how to return to balance.
Tue 25th Feb at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
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. Hereâs the science behind it:
Yoga, especially when combined with breath control (pranayama) and mindful movement, actively stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)âthe ârest and digestâ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Breath and COâ Regulation ⢠Yoga breathing techniques help optimize oxygen and COâ 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 effectâgoing from effort (yoga postures) to complete stillnessâamplifies 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
Yogaâs 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 releaseâa truly âresetâ for both body and mind.
Tue 18th Feb at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
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. Yogaâs meditative aspect reinforces this connection, blending physical and mental conditioning.
Tue 11th Feb at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
a few people came online to do yoga.
Yoga talk
One of the less obvious benefits of yoga is its impact on proprioceptionâour ability to sense where our body is in space. Many people donât realize how much this improves balance, coordination, and even reaction times in daily life. Regular practice also strengthens the vagus nerve, which helps regulate stress, digestion, and heart rate, promoting a deep sense of calm. Another surprising benefit is how yoga can retrain habitual movement patterns, preventing injuries by encouraging more efficient and mindful movement. Over time, these subtle changes make a big difference, not just on the mat but in everything from walking to lifting and even sitting more comfortably.
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