A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible. The ancient practice can boost memory, and improve heart and bone health, says Anna Magee.
Brits are increasingly embracing yoga, spending a whopping £790 million a year on yoga classes and mats. While some new trends like naked yoga or dog yoga seem bizarre, scientific research is consistently showing real benefits.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that a three-month course of yoga and meditation was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain decline. Another study found it could enhance sleep for breast cancer survivors.
Former advertising executive Lucy Edge, 53, turned to yoga instead of antidepressants during a deep depression. She spent six months in India learning yoga. Though she didn’t get a so-called “yoga body,” she returned happier and more content. Lucy has since written three books about yoga and founded Yoga Meds, showcasing over 300 clinical trials on yoga’s benefits for various conditions including arthritis and insomnia.
Studies show that yoga can enhance memory, with a UCLA study showing improved spatial and visual memory, reduced depression, and increased stress resilience after 12 weeks of yoga and meditation. Participants practiced one hour of Kundalini yoga weekly, along with 20 minutes of daily Kirtan Kriya meditation.
Yoga is also beneficial for heart health. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that yoga might lower heart disease risk as effectively as brisk walking. Yoga reduces stress, which is a risk factor for heart disease, and can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
Dr. Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, notes that yoga is well-documented for reducing anxiety, stress, and depression—all beneficial for heart health. For beginners, Charlotte Watts’ stress-reducing yoga poses and Restorative yoga are excellent starting points.
Yoga can alleviate back pain and improve musculoskeletal health. Physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone integrated yoga into back pain rehabilitation, and 87% of participants reported pain reduction. Yoga also targets pelvic floor muscles and increases bone density. Beginners should inform their teachers about any health issues and start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga.
Choosing the right yoga mat is essential. Consider where you’ll store it, how often you’ll carry it, and its thickness to protect your joints. Healthista recommends the Valka Yoga Elephant Cork Yoga Mat, which is eco-friendly, durable, and comfortable. Cork mats provide a good grip, even when wet, making them ideal for sweaty sessions.
Yoga blocks can aid in difficult poses. The Valka Yoga Block in matching elephant design is sturdy and provides extra grip, even if it’s heavier than foam blocks.
If you’re new to yoga or looking to tailor your practice, try Yin or Restorative classes for deep stretches and relaxation. For a more energetic option, Vinyasa Flow links postures in a dance-like sequence. Precise styles like Iyengar focus on alignment, helpful for beginners. Anusara yoga mixes alignment with upbeat music, and Yoga Therapy offers tailored routines for healing injuries or illnesses.
Lucy Edge’s book “Down Dog Billionaire” is now available.
For more health tips and articles, sign up for our newsletter.
