Practicing yoga isn’t just about being flexible—it’s also great for your memory, heart, and bones, according to Anna Magee.
In the UK, we’re spending an impressive £790 million yearly on yoga classes and equipment. While yoga routines are evolving with trends like rage yoga or dog yoga, science is backing up its real health benefits. For example, UCLA researchers discovered that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective at reducing age-related brain decline than traditional memory exercises. It also helped improve sleep in breast cancer survivors.
When former advertising executive Lucy Edge, now 53, faced severe depression, she chose yoga over prescribed antidepressants. Taking a career break, she traveled to India to study yoga. It didn’t transform her body into a “yoga goddess,” but it did bring her unparalleled happiness and peace. She has authored three books on yoga and founded a website section dedicated to its clinical benefits.
Yoga can be particularly beneficial for improving memory and alleviating stress. UCLA’s study on adults over 55 showed that those who practiced yoga and meditation experienced better memory and reduced anxiety compared to those doing memory exercises alone. This suggests a promising area for further research into yoga’s positive effects on brain health.
To get started with yoga, you don’t need to spend hours upside down. One hour of weekly Kundalini yoga, a gentle style incorporating breathing, meditation, and chanting, proved effective. Participants also practiced 20 minutes of daily Kirtan Kriya meditation, involving chanting and visualization.
Apart from brain benefits, yoga can also enhance heart health. A 2014 review found that yoga helps lower heart disease risks as much as conventional exercises like brisk walking. Since stress significantly contributes to heart disease, yoga’s stress-reduction capabilities are invaluable. Research indicates yoga practice can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight management, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
For a stress-reducing yoga experience, restorative yoga, which involves supported postures held for extended periods, can be particularly soothing. Yoga teacher Charlotte Watts and physiotherapist Sarah Shone both advocate for yoga’s benefits, especially for stress and chronic pain management. Shone even integrated yoga into rehabilitation programs, with 87% of participants reporting pain reduction.
Yoga’s physical benefits extend to bone health and incontinence management by strengthening the pelvic floor and improving bone density. For beginners, Hatha or Iyengar yoga styles are recommended due to their gentle and accessible nature.
Getting the right yoga gear can enhance your practice. When choosing a yoga mat, consider its location, portability, and your height. Investing in a thicker mat can protect your joints and make practice more comfortable.
One highly recommended option is the Valka Yoga Elephant Cork Mat, which is eco-friendly, durable, and provides excellent joint support. Complementing the mat, a matching cork yoga block can assist with stability and make challenging poses more accessible.
For different yoga preferences, here are some styles to try:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for a calming experience
– Vinyasa Flow for a more dynamic practice
– Iyengar for precise alignment and use of props
– Anusara for an upbeat, alignment-focused flow
– Yoga Therapy for injury or illness recovery
Whether you’re a yoga newbie or a seasoned practitioner, there’s a style out there for you.
