Fit Beauty: Yoga moves that'll help you shape your way to beauty

Is there anything yoga can't do? It tones, it strengthens, it stretches -- according to this past post by Rigel it may also help you find love (well for those who manage to avoid 'inappropriate yoga guy'). I was musing earlier today during my walk to work about all of the benefits I noticed when I was practicing yoga on a regular basis (I admit that for various reasons most of us who fall off the bandwagon would understand, it has been a while since I've been to a class). I remember feeling more limber, more energetic yet relaxed, and just generally had an enhanced feeling of well-being.

I began to wonder if yoga can also make you look good. I mean beyond the obvious tightening benefits, are there any yoga moves that will improve the shape of your body or perhaps improve the overall look of your face. Every time I used to leave yoga class I noticed that all of the participants, myself included, had a lovely glow about them. Was that just due to the excessive heat, sweating and exertion or could there be more to it?

According to the final paragraph in this piece, yoga can indeed improve the physical appearance of your face. The article mentions that practicing all of those stretches helps to balance hormones and 'increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your skin". So perhaps there is more to that after-class glow than just a hot, sweaty body?

In addition, a few months ago Bethany wrote this post on the relatively-new phenomenon of 'facial yoga'. As this article discusses, a class in New York focuses strictly on facial exercises that are meant to keep those who practice them on a regular basis looking youthful. Apparently the moves help prevent wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of the skin. I suppse that sitting through 60 minutes of pulling faces would be worth it if it meant avoiding a shot of Botox!

During my search for yoga beauty sites I also came across this (somewhat hokey) webpage that lists a number of exercises which, if done daily, are meant to improve the shape of pretty much every part of your body. The various poses listed will help improve your skin, make your neck long and lean, will help flatten a flabby tummy, make your thighs well-proportioned and more. Upon first read, the stretches don't look overly difficult so they may be worth a shot if you'd like to see some of the body benefits listed above.

Are there any dedicated yogis out there who are willing to preach the body benefits of yoga?