The past few decades, yoga has started to become very different from what it was originally thought of. Instead of being only dedicated to spiritualists and hippies, it's become a healthy form of exercise and stress relieving worldwide that is practiced by millions. Both trendy and great for your body, getting into even a few simple yoga practices frequently can bring a whole new era for your body.

Science has even been discovering more and more what a beneficial effect yoga has on the mind, heart, and body that all correlates together into an improved over-all fitness plan. If you're curious about yoga's benefits and what practical improvements can come with getting into this form of exercise, take a look at this list!

1 - Increased flexibility

With frequent practice, you'll begin to notice your body loosening up! After a few weeks of practicing, you'll see a great difference. This can help in several areas of your life, while keeping you feeling pain-free. Flexibility helps ease back pain, neck pain, and sleeping issues, as well as any joint or knee pain related to tight joints.

2 - Less aches through yoga posture.

A better posture makes for a happier body, and yoga is great at teaching the correct ways to sit, stand, and lay down! You'll beat aches and pains and deterioration of your body if you keep up with your yoga work-outs. You'll also increase your blood flow once you get moving, and plenty of yoga positions are upside-down which also help!

3 - Gets off a few stubborn pounds.

Around the tummy and "love handle" area, it's often hard to lose weight. Cardio, weight-lifting, and other forms of exercise still may not affect those areas, but yoga is a full body work-out, so it can help shave off some pounds! Plus, yoga is known to help put a stop to unhealthy cravings and help boost your metabolism.

4 - Improve your emotion health with lowered stress levels.

One thing that yoga helps with is your breathing by introducing calming poses and special breathe techniques. Those who practice yoga daily, or close to it, have found that they are calmer more during the day and sleep better at night! Because of this, they feel emotionally balanced in their mind and heart.

5 - Helps lessen the affect of diseases and problems within the body.

Your body endures many things, a lot of which can manifest in the form of health conditions. Blood pressure can be regulated, your bones can become healthier, and things like arthritis and even asthma can find relief through yoga!

6 - A way to socialize and make friends.

Yoga classes are often a great place to meet like-minded people and find others who share your interest in health and fitness! Working out together with friends can be embarrassing, but yoga is a calm and laid back situation so it's easier to grab a mat with your pals and enjoy your time together!