Al'eema Dawson in a yoga pose.
I teach yoga classes at Modo Yoga in Clifton, and several UC 
basketball players are among my students. A yoga practice has the following six benefits:
1. Stress Relief: Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. In addition, most yoga classes end with a relaxation pose, which further reduces the experience of stress.
2. Pain Relief: Practicing yoga poses reduces the pain for people with conditions such as cancer, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions.
3. Flexibility: Yoga increases strength. Yoga uses every muscle in the body, increasing strength literally from head to toe.
4. Weight Management: Many teachers specialize in yoga programs to promote weight management and find that even gentle yoga practices help support weight loss.
5. Inner Peace: The meditative effects of a consistent yoga practice help many cultivate inner peace and calm. It also is one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind.
6. Presence: The more you practice, the more aware you become of your surroundings and the world around you.
Yoga is essential to everyone's life and well-being. Visit our local yoga studio, Modo Yoga, located at 150 West McMillian Street, in Clifton.