A yoga body isn’t just about flexible limbs—yoga can actually boost your memory, heart health, and bone strength, says Anna Magee.
We’ve become a nation fascinated with yoga, spending an incredible £790 million annually on classes and mats. Yoga’s benefits are increasingly supported by science, despite odd variations like rage yoga or dog yoga gaining popularity.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain decline. Another study found yoga improved sleep among breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, 53, a former advertising executive who battled depression, chose yoga over prescribed anti-depressants. During a six-month career break in India, she learned yoga, returning with a newfound sense of happiness and contentment. She has since authored three books about yoga and founded Yoga Meds, which lists over 300 clinical trials showcasing yoga’s benefits for conditions like arthritis and insomnia.
If you’ve relied on puzzles for memory training, it might be time to try yoga. A UCLA study showed that a 12-week yoga course improved memory and reduced stress and anxiety more effectively than traditional memory exercises in adults over 55.
Dr. Clare Walton of the Alzheimer’s Society emphasizes the need for further research into yoga’s benefits for keeping our hearts and brains healthy as we age. Participants in the study practiced Kundalini yoga and Kirtan Kriya meditation, which involves chanting, hand movements, and visualization.
Yoga also benefits the heart. A review published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology suggested that yoga lowers heart disease risk as effectively as brisk walking, by reducing stress, which is a major factor in heart disease.
For those new to yoga, gentle forms like Hatha or Iyengar are recommended, especially for those with specific conditions like back pain. Yoga is not only effective for strengthening the core but also beneficial for pelvic floor muscles and bone density.
When choosing a yoga mat, consider where you’ll use it and how often you’ll carry it around. A thicker mat can offer better joint protection. Taller individuals should opt for longer mats to avoid feeling restricted.
One recommended mat is the Elephant Cork Yoga Mat from Valka Yoga. It’s eco-friendly, antimicrobial, and grippier when wet—ideal for hot yoga. Investing in durable, high-quality yoga props can enhance your practice.
For those not naturally flexible or new to yoga, different styles like Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, and Anusara offer tailored experiences that can make yoga more accessible and enjoyable.
Lucy Edge’s latest book “Down Dog Billionaire” is available on Amazon. For more health tips, you can sign up for the newsletter.