It can be a hard habit to add to a workout routine, especially when it’s not immediately obvious what the benefits may be. It took me a little while to figure this out for myself, but the moment I did I can’t go back.

Before trying yoga, I honestly didn’t think it was for me because I wasn’t flexible, I didn’t have great balance, and I thought I would look or feel silly doing it.

The science made simple: Resetting your body through yoga

Think of your intense workouts like revving up a car engine into the red zone. You’re pumped up, your heart has been racing, and your body is in full fight-or-flight mode. That’s great to keep you going, but it’s not great for the rest of your day.

This is where I feel like yoga acts as a reset button for your body. Here’s what’s actually happening:

• Flipping the switch: Yoga effectively helps move your body from panic mode to repair mode. It tells your brain the hard work is over now, which in turn lowers your stress hormones and starts the muscle building process.
• Cleaning out the gunk: Hard workouts leave behind waste in your muscles (that’s the burning sensation you feel) so instead of letting it sit there and turn into soreness tomorrow, yoga acts like a natural pump to flush it out.
• Better fuel delivery: By slowing down your breath and stretching your body deeply, you’re opening up the pipes so to speak. This sends fresh, oxygen-rich blood exactly where it needs to go to repair the muscles you’ve been working so hard.

The physical benefits I feel from yoga

• Reduced muscle soreness: You’ll notice like I often do that the day after aches are not nearly as intense because you’ve already started the repair process.
• Better range of motion: Over time, your squats get deeper and your overhead presses feel more stable because your joints aren’t as locked up from constant tension.
• Improved balance and core strength: Even a basic and shorter yoga flow can force you to use those tiny stabilizer muscles that heavy weights can often miss.
• Decompression: If you spend your day at a desk or even lifting heavy things, yoga helps lengthen your spine and open up tight hips.

Reasons why I enjoy yoga

• Low pressure: Unlike things like HIIT or strength training, there are no timers or max reps to beat. It’s the one part of the workout where the only goal is to feel better after the harder stuff.
• Easy to modify throughout: Even if there are poses you can’t do, there are ways to make them fit you at a reduced range of motion. I still can’t do the splits and I don’t know if I will ever get there, but being able to modify with half splits means I still get a great stretch in my legs.
• Ability to show off my progress: In the beginning I couldn’t imagine doing any of the more advanced poses like Half Moon, Crow, Wild Thing, Fallen Triangle etc. Now that I have some under my belt I feel more confident and proud of my progress.
• It proved me wrong: One of the best parts is the satisfaction of realizing I can do it, even though I’m not a natural athlete or a gymnast.

Ready to stack your next session?

You don’t need to sign up for a 60-minute hot yoga class or even buy a designer mat to see the benefits. You just need 10 minutes at the end of your next workout.

Apple Fitness+ even offers a “Build a Yoga Habit in 4 Weeks” program that’s made up of 10-minute flows. The program is designed for two flows per week. They also have a variety of programs for beginners and even a “Yoga for Every Runner” program, which I plan to try for myself next week.

My challenge to you: After your next gym session, don’t just walk to your car. Spend a few minutes doing poses like Downward Facing Dog, Pigeon (90/90 or 45/45 if pigeon is too much). Notice how your body feels the next morning. I’m willing to bet you’ll be a convert just like I was.

What’s your favorite way to finish a workout? Have you tried finishing with yoga yet? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: While I am an avid Apple Fitness + user, I am not endorsed or paid by them to mention their product. I am also not paid to promote any of the products mentioned in this blog. I’m simply using my experience to help others learn and grow.