Yoga has many benefits for both the body and mind. These benefits can be seen not just anecdotally, but are also backed by scientific studies. In this article, I will discuss why these benefits are ideal for performers.
Relaxation, Obviously
One of the most common benefits that comes from practicing yoga is the relaxation that occurs. Many people find that doing a yoga session helps them de-stress and relax the body and mind. This is perfect for those working in the performing industry. This industry is a world of “No’s”. It can be mentally taxing to face so much rejection and yoga is a great way to unwind. Additionally, working days are often very long. Whether you work in the theater, on a film set, or even as a musician, rehearsal and filming days can be super long, and having something to turn to when you need to relax is super important to both mental and physical health
Yoga Promotes Better Posture and Body Awareness
Studies have shown that yoga can help correct bad posture and increase your Interoception. Interoception is the sense you have that recognizes what is going on within your body. This internal perception is crucial as a performer. Particularly actors, singers, and dancers need to be aware of what is going on within their bodies. If not, the lack of awareness can result in a change of performance without meaning to change anything.
Yoga Helps Maintain and Increase Flexibility
Flexibility overall is important to have, but even more so if you are a performer that dances. Many forms of Yoga include long stretching sequences that help to maintain and increase your overall flexibility. Even forms of Yoga with more focus on strength building or breath work will help with overall flexibility.
Yoga Can Help Keep You in Shape
Yoga is exercise, pure and simple. While there are tons of different types of Yoga that focus on various different things, it is movement in your body and has been shown in scientific studies to increase strength and flexibility, improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, improve bone health and increase brain function. Overall, it has a ton of proven health benefits. And since as performers our body is our livelihood, it’s important to take care of it.
Yoga Can Help You Become More In-tune with Your Breathing
Yoga often focuses on the breath. In fact there are entire practices that focus solely on breathing. Being aware of your breath and breathing is super important to all performers, but especially for singers. With that said, whether or not you are a singer, it is important to do breathwork and become as in-tune with it as possible.
Yoga is Extremely Versatile
My favorite thing about Yoga is how versatile it is. In this article alone, I’ve mentioned practices that are specific to strength and breath work. But there is so much more to the Yoga world. You can choose your Yoga practice based on your needs. Want to get a good workout in and build some strength? Do some Power Yoga! Had a long work day with lot’s of dance or fight choreo? Find a nice slow practice that can help to ease those sore muscles. Only have a few spare minutes? Do a nice 10 minute Sun Salutation practice to wake up the body and get focused. There are so many options when it comes to a Yoga Practice. It’s completely customizable to your needs.
It is by no means mandatory to practice Yoga as a performer, but the benefits of including Yoga into your routine are vast. So look up a local studio and attend a class. Or stay home and find a follow along video on Youtube. I highly recommend YogaWithAdriene on Youtube. She has hundreds of easy to follow videos in tons of different styles and ability levels. Add some Yoga to your life and reap all the amazing benefits from doing so.
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene
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