A yoga body isn’t just about flexible limbs. Yoga, an ancient practice, can boost memory, heart, and bone health according to Anna Magee. Yoga has become immensely popular in the UK, with people spending around £790 million annually on classes and yoga mats.
Sure, yoga trends get strange sometimes—think rage yoga, naked yoga, and dog yoga—but science is backing up its real benefits. Research from UCLA showed that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain changes. Another study found it improved sleep for breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, a 53-year-old former advertising executive, turned to yoga instead of prescribed anti-depressants when she fell into depression. After a six-month break in India to study yoga, she returned happier and more content, despite not achieving the perfect yoga body. Passionate about the benefits of yoga, Lucy wrote three books and started Yoga Meds to showcase clinical trials proving yoga’s effectiveness for various conditions.
How Yoga Can Benefit Your Health:
If you’ve been relying on crossword puzzles and Sudoku for memory training, it might be time to try some yoga. UCLA studies showed that 12 weeks of yoga and meditation resulted in better memory improvements and reduced anxiety and depression for participants over 55 years old. Even though this study is small, it suggests the need for further research.
To start: You don’t need hours of headstands to benefit. Just doing one hour of Kundalini yoga a week, which includes breathing techniques, meditation, and chanting, can make a difference. Participants in the UCLA study also did 20 minutes of daily Kirtan Kriya, a type of meditation involving chanting and hand movements.
Yoga’s Heart Benefits:
We often hear that jogging or walking is the way to keep our hearts healthy, but yoga might be just as effective. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology suggested that yoga helps lower heart disease risk similarly to brisk walking. Stress reduction through yoga can benefit heart health since stress hormones increase blood pressure and heart rate.
To start: A stress-reducing series of gentle yoga poses, like those created by yoga teacher Charlotte Watts, can help. Restorative yoga is another great option, where poses are supported by bolsters and cushions, and held for up to 12 minutes. This deeply relaxes the nervous system.
Managing Pain and Promoting Back Health:
Musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone introduced yoga classes into a back pain rehab program. Surprisingly, 87% of participants reported reduced pain. Yoga and stretching are now recommended by NICE guidelines for lower back pain. Yoga isn’t just about stretching; it improves overall strength and can prevent incontinence by targeting pelvic floor muscles.
To start: If you’re new, inform your teacher about any health issues and choose a gentler style like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. For specific conditions like back pain, consult your doctor to see if you qualify for subsidized yoga.
Yoga Mats and Props:
The right yoga mat can enhance your practice. Consider factors like where you’ll store it, if you need to carry it regularly (opt for a lighter mat with a strap), and your height (taller individuals might need longer mats). Also, a thicker mat can protect your joints during practice.
Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga Mat from Valka Yoga. It’s eco-friendly and offers good padding for your joints. The cork material is antimicrobial and gets grippier when wet, making it ideal for sweaty sessions.
In conclusion, yoga is accessible to everyone—whether you’re flexible or not. For gentle and supportive classes, try Yin or Restorative yoga. If you prefer something more energetic, Vinyasa Flow connects breath with movement. Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment and detail, using props to assist poses. Anusara yoga combines alignment with flowing movements and upbeat music. For healing from injury or illness, Yoga Therapy with a trained teacher can be beneficial.
Embrace yoga to improve your overall health and well-being, regardless of your starting point.
