Yoga isn’t just about being flexible; it’s a practice that can boost your memory, heart health, and bone strength. People in the UK are spending around £790 million annually on yoga classes and gear.
Although yoga is evolving with unique styles like rage yoga, naked yoga, paddleboard yoga, horseback yoga, and even dog yoga, its genuine benefits are increasingly validated by science. Researchers from UCLA discovered that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than typical memory exercises at reducing age-related brain issues and improving sleep among breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, turned to yoga during a deep depression instead of using prescribed anti-depressants. After spending six months in India learning yoga, she returned feeling happier and more content, even though she didn’t achieve the “yoga goddess” body. She has written three books on yoga and founded Yoga Meds, which documents over 300 clinical trials that endorse yoga for various conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity. Lucy aimed to provide scientific backing for yoga’s effectiveness, as she wanted solid evidence rather than making unverified claims.
Yoga has several benefits, including enhancing memory. If you’ve only been using crossword puzzles and Sudoku as brain exercises, it might be time to add yoga to your routine. In the UCLA study, participants over 55 who engaged in 12 weeks of yoga and meditation showed better improvements in spatial and visual memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased stress resilience compared to those doing memory exercises. The study participants practiced one hour of Kundalini yoga per week and 20 minutes of Kirtan Kriya meditation daily, which involves chanting, hand movements, and light visualization.
For heart health, research from the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology in 2014 suggested that yoga could lower heart disease risks as effectively as brisk walking. Stress reduction through yoga can lower blood pressure and heart rates, reducing the chance of blood clots. Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation pointed out that yoga benefits emotional health, helping with anxiety, stress, and depression, particularly in cardiac patients. It can also improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight management.
To reduce stress, try starting with gentle yoga poses or Restorative yoga, which involves supported postures for prolonged periods to give the nervous system a break. Back pain sufferers can also benefit significantly from yoga; 87% of participants in a rehabilitation program reported pain reduction. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) supports using yoga for lower back pain, and it can be adapted for various health conditions.
For those interested in starting yoga, it’s recommended to inform your teacher about any health issues and begin with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. These styles are more accessible and can be adapted to avoid strain.
When choosing a yoga mat, consider its placement, portability, size, and thickness for joint protection. A thicker mat can cushion your knees and wrists better during practice.
An excellent recommendation for a yoga mat is the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga, made from eco-friendly materials. This mat provides enough cushioning for joints and is naturally antimicrobial. It comes with a carry strap and a satisfaction guarantee.
Additionally, a yoga block like the matching Elephant design one from Valka Yoga can help with challenging poses by providing additional support and stability.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there are various yoga styles to explore:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for a calming practice.
– Vinyasa Flow for an energetic sequence linking breath to movement.
– Iyengar yoga for focus on alignment and use of props.
– Anusara yoga for alignment combined with flowing movements.
– Yoga Therapy for targeted healing of injuries or illnesses.
No matter your flexibility level, yoga can help you improve.