A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible; the ancient practice also boosts memory, heart, and bone health. Brits are spending a whopping £790 million annually on yoga classes and mats. While yoga may seem to be getting stranger with hybrids like rage yoga or dog yoga, its real benefits are increasingly supported by science.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that a three-month yoga and meditation program was more effective than memory exercises for reducing age-related brain decline. Another study found it improved sleep in breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, 53, a former ad executive, turned to yoga instead of the anti-depressants prescribed to her for depression. She took a six-month break to learn yoga in India, and while she didn’t achieve the “yoga goddess” body, she returned happier and more content. Lucy later wrote three books on yoga and started Yoga Meds, a section on her website Yogaclicks.com, to showcase over 300 clinical trials on the benefits of yoga for conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
If you’ve mainly relied on crossword puzzles and Sudoku to train your memory, it might be time to add some yoga into the mix. The UCLA study involving adults over 55 showed that a 12-week program of Kundalini yoga and meditation improved their spatial and visual memories and reduced depression and anxiety, proving more effective than memory exercises alone.
Yoga is also great for heart health. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology indicated that yoga could lower heart disease risk as effectively as conventional exercises like brisk walking. Practicing yoga can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and decrease the likelihood of blood clots, making it a valuable tool for managing heart health.
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher and author, has a series of gentle poses perfect for beginners that help reduce stress. Another effective approach is Restorative yoga, where postures are supported on bolsters and cushions and held for up to 12 minutes, offering a break for the nervous system.
Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga instructor, incorporated yoga into a rehabilitation program for back pain within the Primary Care Trust. An impressive 87% of participants noticed a reduction in their pain. Shone aims to train more physiotherapists in using yoga for older adults to enhance its clinical benefits.
Yoga not only targets the pelvic floor muscles, which can help prevent incontinence, but also aids in increasing bone density. It’s accessible and adaptable for various needs.
For beginners, it’s best to inform your teacher about any health concerns and start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. If you have back pain, consult your doctor to see if you can get subsidized yoga sessions through an exercise referral scheme.
Good yoga props can enhance your practice. Consider factors like where you’ll use your mat, its weight, and your height before purchasing. A thicker yoga mat can protect your joints better. Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga, priced at £69.95. This eco-friendly mat is made from organic cork and natural rubber, offering comfort and grip even for those who sweat a lot. It also comes with a carry strap and a one-year replacement warranty.
Pairing your mat with a matching cork yoga block, like Valka’s for £19.95, can assist in achieving poses by providing added stability and grip. Cork is often preferred over foam blocks for its sturdiness.
Not flexible? No problem. Yoga can still benefit you:
– Try Yin or Restorative yoga for a relaxing practice with props.
– Vinyasa Flow offers a more energetic session linking postures to breath.
– Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment and uses props to assist in poses.
– Anusara yoga combines alignment with flowing movements to upbeat music.
– Yoga Therapy tailors practices to help heal injuries or illnesses.
Lucy Edge’s latest book, “Down Dog Billionaire,” is available on Amazon.