LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – If you want to get healthier in the New Year but can’t commit to going to the gym, trying yoga might be the solution.

“It’s great for your physical and mental health benefits as well. For your body it has low impact movement, great for your joints and building strength over time,” Sarah Bushnell, an instructor at Mantra Yoga Center, said. “It also improves your flexibility and mobility. It is a key component to longevity and overall well-being and quality of life.”

Some yoga exercises can be very simple.

“We are obviously on our phones, we’re typing a lot in this day and age, so we can do some hand and wrist exercises,” Bushnell said. “Bring your palms together, interlock your fingers, start with some figure-eights (by) rolling your wrists then come to stillness. Then flip your palms, press them down to the ground, and relax your shoulders.”

Yoga goes beyond helping your mental health.

“Mental health-wise, it can reduce your anxiety and stress. Breathwork lowers your heart rate. Meditating and finding a mindful moment also increases positivity and gratitude in your life,” Bushnell said.

Bushnell encourages everyone to try yoga once.

“We say a lot that yoga is for everybody’s body. There is a class for everybody. There are plenty of accessible classes, especially here in the SWLA area,” Bushnell said.

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