1. Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)- Stress is a killer. And there is a raft of research out there on the benefits of deep, focused, breathing. In short, it activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System which is responsible for calming the Central Nervous System, ie. eliminating stress. Our Parasympathetic Nervous System is kinda like our inner relaxation coach.
2. Getting Stronger NOT more Flexible - Sounds crazy right!? The truth is that weakness precedes tightness. If a certain area of your body is WEAK, other areas TIGHTEN UP... to do the work of the weak body part. For instance, if your core is weak, your low back will tighten up, potentially resulting in low back pain. You can stretch your back out all you want, but if you don't strengthen your core, your low back will be tight forever.
3. Coordinating Breath and Movement - When you combine the practice of breathing deeply and moving mindfully into one experience (ie. a Hot House Yoga class), you can't help but be totally present, in the now. That's the entry point to access your calmest, most relaxed state of mind possible WHILE strengthening the areas of the body that are keeping you stuck in tightness.