A yoga body isn’t just about flexible limbs; it’s an ancient practice that can benefit memory, heart, and bone health, says Anna Magee.
We’ve become quite obsessed with yoga, with Brits spending an astonishing £790 million annually on classes and mats. While yoga evolves with quirky new forms like rage yoga, naked yoga, and even dog yoga, its real benefits are also gaining scientific backing.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month course in yoga and meditation was more effective than memory exercises for reducing age-related brain decline. Another study showed it could improve sleep for breast cancer survivors.
When Lucy Edge, 53, a former advertising executive, fell into a deep depression, she turned to yoga instead of the antidepressants she was prescribed. After spending six months in India studying yoga, she returned not with a “yoga goddess body” but with a newfound happiness and contentment. Lucy has since written three books on yoga and founded Yoga Meds, a section on her website listing over 300 clinical trials on yoga’s benefits for conditions ranging from arthritis to obesity.
Let’s explore how yoga can benefit your health and how you can get started:
If crossword puzzles and Sudoku have been your go-to for memory training, it might be time to give the warrior pose a try. A UCLA study compared 12 weeks of memory exercises with yoga and meditation in adults over 55. The yoga group saw better improvements in spatial and visual memories, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased resilience to stress. Participants did one hour of Kundalini yoga per week and 20 minutes daily of Kirtan Kriya meditation.
Yoga can also be beneficial for heart health. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology suggested that yoga could reduce heart disease risk as effectively as brisk walking. Stress, a major contributor to heart disease, can be effectively managed through yoga, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher and nutritional therapist, has a stress-reducing series of yoga poses perfect for beginners. Restorative yoga, with postures supported on bolsters and cushions, is another great option for stress reduction.
Sarah Shone, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher, developed yoga classes for back pain, which were later incorporated into a rehabilitation program. An impressive 87% of participants reported reduced pain. Yoga is recommended for lower back pain and can help improve bone density and muscle strength.
If you’re just starting yoga, inform your teacher about any health issues and opt for gentler styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. For back pain or other specific conditions, check if you’re eligible for subsidized yoga through an exercise referral scheme.
Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, having the right props is crucial. A good yoga mat should offer comfort, durability, and portability. For joint protection, consider a thicker mat. The Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga is a great choice, being eco-friendly and cushioned for comfort. Cork mats are also naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant, making them ideal for sweaty sessions.
Yoga blocks, like the cork block from Valka Yoga, can make challenging poses easier by providing extra support. They’re especially useful for stability and grip.
For those not naturally flexible, styles like Yin or Restorative yoga are great options. Beginners might also enjoy Iyengar yoga, which focuses on precise alignment and uses props to aid in poses. Anusara yoga offers a modern take with flowing movements and upbeat music. Yoga Therapy is another specialized form aimed at healing injuries or illnesses.
Remember, yoga can be adapted for everyone, regardless of flexibility. Happy practicing!
