Fitness / Discounts & free classes

5 Benefits of Yoga

6 Health Benefits of Yoga

If you've ever wanted to try yoga, it's time to get out the mat.

Whether you exercise regularly or are just starting out, yoga may be the exercise for you. This mind-body exercise includes physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.

Say "om" for better health

By practicing yoga, you can:

  1. Improve flexibility and strength.
    Yoga stretches your muscles. Standing poses work the muscles in the lower body, and inversions, like downward dog and arm balances, strengthen the upper body.
  2. Stand up straighter.
    Many poses in yoga can strengthen the core muscles in your stomach and back. A strong core leads to better posture, which can help prevent back and neck problems.
  3. Ease stress and anxiety levels.
    Yoga involves breathing exercises that force you to pay attention to your breath. Deep breathing can help you relax almost instantly, which can help relieve stress and anxiety.
  4. Reduce low back pain. 
    Practicing yoga for several months may ease chronic low back pain, help you function better, and enrich your quality of life.
  5. Improve sleep.
    Yoga has been shown to be helpful for sleep in studies of older adults, people with arthritis, pregnant women, and other groups.1

You can get member-only discounts on yoga and other fitness equipment through the Blue365 discount program.

Get started with a free yoga class

More than one hundred styles of yoga are practiced in the United States. Ask your doctor if there are any types that you should avoid. Then find a class taught by a certified instructor. A typical yoga class consists of a warm-up, a work phase that includes flowing poses and deep stretches, a cool-down, and a final relaxation phase.  

BCBSRI members can try free in-person yoga and other fitness classes at Your Blue StoreSM locations in Cranston, East Providence, Lincoln, Narragansett, and Warwick. Sign up for a class at bcbsri.com/events. All fitness levels are welcome.2

1National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

2Not all exercises are suitable for everyone and any exercise program could result in injury. Always consult with your physician before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have an existing health condition.

© 2000‐2025 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) – All Rights Reserved. The Blue365 program is made available by BCBSRI in conjunction with the BCBSA. The BCBSA is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Blue365® offers access to savings on items that members may purchase directly from independent vendors, which are different from items that are covered under the policies with BCBSRI, its contracts with Medicare, or any other applicable federal healthcare program. The products and services described herein are neither offered nor guaranteed under BCBSRI’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, they are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding these products and services may be subject to BCBSRI’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. Neither BCBSA nor BCBSRI recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific vendor, product, or service available under or through the Blue365 Program.

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