A yoga practice usually ends in a final resting pose, most commonly savasana, or corpse pose. For some people, they love the “forced” relaxation. Others struggle with the idea of laying still to “do nothing.”

Other forms of exercise often end with a period of rest to restore the body after a period of more intense movement – such recovery is essential, “[involving] chemical and hormonal balance, nervous system repair, mental state, and more.” (Kuhland)

Adding rest and recovery to your physical work conditions your body to become better at it – just as it becomes better at the sport or activity itself. Before long, your nervous system becomes accustomed to the “rest and repair” aspects of its functioning.

Balancing intensity in your movement with adequate rest actually increases the effectiveness of your workout overall.