Yoga isn’t just about having flexible limbs; it has real benefits for memory, heart health, and bones, as explained by Anna Magee. People in the UK are spending around £790 million annually on yoga classes and equipment. While some new yoga trends seem strange, like dog yoga or sessions on paddle boards, scientific research is backing up yoga’s positive effects.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month course of yoga and meditation was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain decline. This course also improved sleep among breast cancer survivors. For example, Lucy Edge, who fell into a deep depression, found relief through yoga rather than prescribed antidepressants. After a yoga retreat in India, she felt happier and content. Now, she’s written books about yoga and started a website section, Yoga Meds, highlighting clinical trials on yoga’s many benefits.
Yoga helps keep your mind sharp. If you’ve been using crossword puzzles and Sudoku to train your memory, try adding yoga. In a UCLA study, adults over 55 who took yoga and meditation improved their memory more than those doing memory exercises. They also experienced less depression, anxiety, and stress.
For heart health, yoga can be as beneficial as walking. A review found that yoga could lower heart disease risk by reducing stress, a major factor in heart problems. Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation says yoga helps with emotional and physical health, improving conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression, often seen in heart disease patients.
To reduce stress, Charlotte Watts recommends a series of gentle yoga poses, while Anna Ashby suggests Restorative yoga, which uses cushions and bolsters to support relaxation. Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, incorporated yoga into a back pain rehabilitation program with great success, reducing pain for 87% of participants. NICE guidelines also recommend yoga for lower back pain.
Yoga also helps with incontinence by targeting pelvic floor muscles and improving bone density. Shone advises beginners to communicate health issues with their teachers and start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. For those with specific conditions like back pain, talk to your doctor about possibly getting subsidized yoga classes through an exercise referral scheme.
Using the right yoga props can improve your practice. When choosing a mat, consider its location, weight, and thickness to protect your joints. A thicker mat is better for those with knee or wrist pain. A recommended option is the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga, which is eco-friendly and provides good joint support.
Adding a yoga block can help with difficult poses. Cork blocks, like the ones from Valka Yoga, offer stability and grip, aiding in balance and stretch. Regardless of flexibility, yoga can be beneficial.
Various yoga styles cater to different needs:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for a relaxed, supported experience.
– Vinyasa Flow for an energetic session linking breaths with movements.
– Iyengar yoga for precise postures, great for beginners using props.
– Anusara yoga for alignment-focused movements with upbeat music.
– Yoga Therapy for healing specific injuries or illnesses.
For more detailed guidance, you can explore books by Lucy Edge, in particular, her latest book “Down Dog Billionaire.” Remember, there’s a yoga style for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.
