Trainer and fitness expert Ahmed Shaaban confirms via “Lebanon 24” that yoga does not only aim to improve body shape or increase fitness, but also seeks to enhance psychological calm and the ability to deal with the pressures of daily life. In a world witnessing an accelerated pace of work and psychological and social challenges, many people are looking for ways to help them restore internal balance, which yoga provides by combining conscious movement and deep breathing. Shaaban said that the most prominent physical benefits of yoga are improving muscle and joint flexibility, increasing body strength and balance, in addition to helping relieve some chronic pain, especially back and neck pain resulting from sitting for long periods.
He pointed out that practicing yoga regularly may contribute to improving cardiovascular health, reducing stress levels, and enhancing sleep quality. On the psychological level, he confirmed that yoga helps reduce anxiety and stress and improve concentration and mental clarity. It also gives practitioners a feeling of relaxation and psychological comfort, which has made it a preferred choice for many people seeking to improve their mental health in addition to their physical health.
Despite its many benefits, the trainer stresses the importance of practicing yoga correctly and under the supervision of qualified trainers, especially for beginners. Some advanced poses may lead to muscle or joint injuries if not performed properly. People who suffer from certain health problems are also advised to consult a doctor before starting any type of exercise. In Lebanon, yoga has witnessed a remarkable spread in recent years. After it was limited to a limited number of centers and followers, today it has become part of the sports programs in many clubs and specialized centers, and group classes have spread outdoors, on beaches, and in public parks. Shaaban believes that the economic, social and psychological crises that the Lebanese have experienced over the past years have led many to search for activities that help them relieve daily stress and improve their mental health, which has contributed to increasing interest in yoga. Social media also played an important role in introducing this sport and highlighting its benefits, which encouraged different age groups to try it. The spread of yoga in Lebanon is not limited to women only, as was previously thought. Rather, it is now attracting an increasing number of men as well, in addition to groups of different ages and backgrounds. Shaaban confirms that awareness of the importance of mental health has contributed to changing the traditional view of this sport and making it more acceptable and widespread.
International Yoga Day is an opportunity to remember the importance of adopting a healthy and balanced lifestyle, based on taking care of both body and mind. Aside from competition and athletic results, yoga offers a different model of physical activity that focuses on inner harmony and psychological well-being, which explains its continued growth in popularity around the world and in Lebanon alike. With the increasing interest in physical and mental health, yoga today seems to be more than just a sport, but rather a way of life that aims to achieve balance and calm in a world that is becoming more complex and stressful day by day.
