Practicing yoga isn’t just about becoming more flexible; it can also enhance memory, and improve heart and bone health, according to Anna Magee. The UK’s fascination with yoga is evident, with people spending around £790 million annually on yoga classes and gear.
Yoga has evolved with new versions like rage yoga, naked yoga, and even yoga with pets, but scientific research is uncovering its genuine benefits. Studies by UCLA researchers found that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain impairment and improving sleep in breast cancer survivors.
When Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, faced severe depression, she turned to yoga instead of medication. After spending six months in India learning yoga, she returned feeling happier and more contented. Inspired by her positive experience, she wrote three books about yoga and created Yoga Meds, a website cataloging over 300 clinical trials showing yoga’s benefits for various conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
If your memory training has so far involved puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku, practicing yoga might be a beneficial addition. UCLA research involving adults over 55 compared the effects of 12 weeks of memory exercises to yoga and meditation, revealing better improvements in memory, reduced depression, anxiety, and increased resilience to stress in the latter group.
You don’t need to spend hours on strenuous yoga poses to see benefits. The studied participants practiced one hour of Kundalini yoga weekly, a gentle type of yoga that includes breathing exercises, meditation, and mantra chanting. Additionally, they did a daily 20-minute Kirtan Kriya meditation involving chanting, hand movements, and visualizing light.
Yoga is also recognized for its cardiovascular benefits. A 2014 review published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology suggested that yoga might lower the risk of heart disease as effectively as activities like brisk walking. Stress relief through yoga can also contribute to heart health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Practicing yoga can reduce stress, especially styles like Restorative yoga, where poses are held for extended periods on bolsters and cushions, providing a break for the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
Yoga benefits extend to improving physical health and reducing pain. For instance, musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone developed a class for back pain rehabilitation, with 87% of participants reporting pain reduction. Besides, yoga’s weight-bearing exercises can help increase bone density and address incontinence issues by targeting pelvic floor muscles.
If you’re new to yoga, talk to your instructor about any health issues and start with gentler styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. Consulting your doctor about subsidized yoga options for specific conditions might also be helpful.
Practicing yoga effectively can be enhanced with the right props, like a good quality yoga mat. Consider factors like durability, portability, and thickness to protect your joints. Healthista recommends the Valka Yoga Elephant Cork Yoga Mat, which is eco-friendly, antimicrobial, and provides excellent grip, especially when wet. This mat ensures comfort even in challenging poses and promotes sustainability by planting a tree for each order.
Adding a cork yoga block can assist in achieving difficult postures by providing stability and grip. Even if you’re not naturally flexible, yoga can help improve your bendiness. Different styles cater to various needs:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for a calming practice with support from blankets and bolsters.
– Vinyasa Flow for an energetic, dance-like sequence.
– Iyengar yoga for precision and alignment, utilizing props.
– Anusara yoga combines alignment with flowing movements and upbeat music.
– Yoga Therapy focuses on using yoga for healing injuries or illnesses.
With these options, there’s a yoga style for everyone, whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced practitioner.