A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible; it’s about improving your overall health, says Anna Magee. In the UK, we’re spending about £790 million each year on yoga classes and gear, and while some yoga trends are getting pretty wild—think rage yoga or dog yoga—science is backing up its real benefits.
Researchers at UCLA found that doing yoga and meditation for three months was more effective than just memory exercises at reducing age-related brain changes. Another study showed it helped improve sleep in breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, turned to yoga during a deep depression, opting out of anti-depressants for a six-month yoga retreat in India. She came back not with a “yoga goddess” body but with a happiness and contentment she’d never felt before. Lucy has since written three books on yoga and started Yoga Meds, a part of her website that lists over 300 clinical trials showcasing yoga’s benefits for conditions ranging from arthritis to obesity.
Yoga can really help your health, so here are some ways to start incorporating it into your life:
Memory Boost: A UCLA study comparing 12 weeks of memory exercises to a yoga and meditation course found that those who did yoga had better improvements in memory, less depression and anxiety, and increased resilience to stress. Kundalini yoga, a gentle form that includes breathing techniques and meditation, was used in the study along with daily Kirtan Kriya meditation.
Heart Health: Yoga could be as effective as conventional exercise like brisk walking for lowering heart disease risk. Stress reduction through yoga can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the likelihood of blood clots, which are linked to heart disease.
Beginner Tips: Charlotte Watts suggests gentle yoga poses to start with, while Anna Ashby recommends Restorative yoga for stress relief. Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, successfully integrated yoga into back pain rehabilitation programs, reporting significant pain reduction among participants.
Trying Yoga: For beginners, starting with Hatha or Iyengar yoga is advised. If you have specific health conditions, talking to your doctor can help determine if you’re eligible for subsidized yoga classes.
Yoga Props: The right yoga mat can make a big difference. Consider where you’ll use it, how often you’ll carry it, and its thickness to protect your joints. Healthista recommends the Valka Yoga Elephant Cork Mat, which is eco-friendly and perfect for sweaty sessions as it becomes grippier when wet. It’s also antimicrobial and odor-resistant.
No matter your flexibility, yoga has something for everyone. Try Yin or Restorative yoga for a relaxed session, Vinyasa Flow for something more energetic, Iyengar for precise poses, Anusara for a modern twist, or Yoga Therapy for healing specific issues.
Lucy Edge’s latest book, “Down Dog Billionaire,” is available on Amazon.
