What Getting Stronger Actually Looks Like in Yoga

Muscle mass and strength tend to decline with age. This is a scientific fact. As we approach and move beyond middle age, we need to pay more attention to maintaining and developing our strength. Strong muscles help us manage our weight, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may even help protect against certain age-related conditions.

Despite the common misconception that yoga is easy, it can actually be a really good way to develop strength. Slow, controlled movements, using your own body weight and holding postures for a period of time are all part of the recipe for building strength.

So, what do you think getting stronger in yoga actually looks like?

Surely, you've seen impressive yogis in seemingly impossible postures, perhaps with strong, lean muscles, wearing trendy, skinny yoga pants.

But strength in yoga is about developing muscle control and body awareness. You'll move more smoothly and elegantly, with better coordination. You'll feel less wobbly as your balance improves. You'll learn to move with greater control, and you'll build more endurance.

It's being able to hold Down Dog longer with more steadiness, step forwards with greater control with elegance, and stand in Tree Pose solidly with better balance. These simple improvements are all signs that you're getting stronger.

It's not about impressive flexibility or spectacular backbends. It's not about binding (holding your wrists, toes or ankles), or even the ability to go upside down.

It's about steadiness, controlled movement, better coordination, easier and deeper breathing, stamina and confidence.

And the best news? All of this can come alongside the other benefits of yoga: developing flexibility and learning to steady and calm your mind.