Practicing yoga isn’t all about getting flexible; it also boosts memory, heart, and bone health, says Anna Magee. Recently, the UK’s fascination with yoga has led Brits to spend around £790 million yearly on classes and gear. As quirky variations like rage yoga and dog yoga emerge, scientific evidence increasingly supports yoga’s benefits.
For example, UCLA research found a three-month yoga and meditation course more impactful than memory exercises for reducing age-related brain decline. Another study noted better sleep in breast cancer survivors practicing yoga. When Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, experienced severe depression, she chose yoga over antidepressants, discovering newfound happiness and contentment during a six-month break in India. She subsequently established Yoga Meds to highlight yoga’s clinical benefits for conditions like arthritis and insomnia.
Yoga can significantly improve health, particularly memory and mental clarity. UCLA’s study involving 25 older adults showed that practicing yoga and meditation for 12 weeks enhanced spatial and visual memory more than traditional memory exercises. Plus, it improved mood and stress resilience.
You don’t need hours of practice to gain these benefits. The study’s participants did one hour of Kundalini yoga weekly, a gentle practice including breathing, meditation, and mantras. Additionally, they practiced Kirtan Kriya meditation for 20 minutes each day.
Yoga also promotes heart health. According to a 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, yoga can lower heart disease risk similar to conventional exercises like brisk walking. Yoga’s stress reduction capabilities help manage heart disease risk factors like blood pressure and heart rate. Dr. Mike Knapton of the British Heart Foundation emphasizes yoga’s emotional health benefits, noting improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
For stress reduction, Charlotte Watts recommends gentle yoga positions, while Anna Ashby suggests restorative yoga using bolsters and cushions for deep relaxation. Sarah Shone, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, found yoga so effective for back pain that she integrated it into rehabilitation programs, with 87% of participants reporting pain reduction.
Yoga can also aid in conditions like incontinence and osteoporosis by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and enhancing bone density. For beginners, gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar are recommended. If you have specific health concerns, consult a doctor about yoga referral programs.
When choosing a yoga mat, consider if it will stay at home or travel with you. A thicker mat can better protect your joints, while height considerations ensure you can move comfortably. Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga, durable, eco-friendly, and supportive for joints, even during intense practice. Cork yoga mats are antimicrobial and odor-resistant, ideal for hot yoga enthusiasts.
For an easier transition into challenging poses, the matching elephant design yoga block from Valka Yoga can help. Cork blocks, though not as light as foam, offer better stability and grip. Whether flexible or not, yoga can enhance your practice.
Consider different yoga styles to meet your needs:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for relaxation with support props.
– Vinyasa Flow for an energetic practice linking breath and movement.
– Iyengar yoga for precision and stability with the use of props.
– Anusara yoga for an upbeat, alignment-focused practice.
– Yoga Therapy for tailored sessions addressing specific injuries or illnesses.
