Yoga is more than just stretching; it can boost memory, heart, and bone health, says Anna Magee. With Brits spending around £790 million annually on yoga, its popularity is undeniable. Besides the quirky variations like rage yoga or dog yoga, its true benefits are backed by science.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that three months of yoga and meditation improved memory and minimized age-related brain changes more effectively than memory exercises. Another study found it helped breast cancer survivors sleep better.
Lucy Edge, once a depressed advertising executive, turned to yoga instead of antidepressants. Her six-month yoga journey in India brought happiness and contentment. She later wrote books and created Yoga Meds, highlighting yoga’s scientifically-backed benefits for issues like arthritis and obesity.
For brain health, UCLA found yoga and meditation were better for spatial and visual memory, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress resilience compared to memory exercises alone. While the study is small, it suggests potential benefits for heart and brain health from yoga and meditation.
For heart health, a 2014 review showed yoga might reduce heart disease risk as much as conventional exercises like brisk walking, largely by lowering stress. Reducing stress through yoga can help by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher, suggests gentle yoga for stress reduction, while Anna Ashby recommends Restorative yoga, which supports the nervous system and reduces stress. Sarah Shone, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, incorporated yoga into back pain rehabilitation with significant success. Yoga can also help with incontinence and increase bone density by working the pelvic floor and other muscles.
Starting out, it’s best to inform your teacher of any health issues and choose a gentle yoga style like Hatha or Iyengar. For specific conditions like back pain, consult your doctor about subsidized yoga courses.
Good yoga props improve practice quality. When choosing a yoga mat, consider where you’ll store it, its portability, and its thickness to protect your joints. Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga for its eco-friendliness and comfort.
For added benefits, a yoga block helps with stability and difficult poses. Valka’s cork blocks are durable and provide a good grip.
Whether you’re flexible or not, yoga offers something for everyone. Yin or Restorative yoga uses blankets and cushions for support, and Vinyasa Flow connects postures with breath. Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment and uses props, while Anusara yoga combines alignment with upbeat music. Yoga Therapy is tailored to healing.
Lucy Edge’s latest book, “Down Dog Billionaire,” is available on Amazon.
