By fitlifemonthly 
Yoga isn’t just about being flexible; it also boosts memory, heart, and bone health, according to Anna Magee. The British have embraced yoga, spending around £790 million yearly on classes and gear. As yoga takes on many strange forms, research increasingly supports its health benefits.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain impairment. It also improved sleep in breast cancer survivors. For example, when Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, experienced depression, she turned to yoga instead of antidepressants and found lasting happiness and contentment. She has since written books on yoga and established a section on her website, Yoga Meds, listing over 300 clinical trials demonstrating yoga’s benefits for various conditions.
For improved memory, yoga outperforms activities like crossword puzzles. A UCLA study on adults over 55 showed better memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased resilience to stress after just 12 weeks of yoga and meditation. Kundalini yoga, which combines breathing, meditation, and chanting, was especially effective.
Yoga also supports heart health. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that yoga could reduce heart disease risk as much as conventional exercise. Stress reduction through yoga is key, as stress hormones can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, leading to heart issues.
Try stress-reducing yoga poses as suggested by experts like Charlotte Watts and Anna Ashby. Yoga can also alleviate back pain, according to physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone. Studies show yoga can significantly reduce pain for many, leading to its inclusion in the NICE guidelines for managing back pain.
Starting yoga? Inform your teacher about any health issues and choose gentler styles like Hatha or Iyengar. Consult your doctor if you have specific conditions like back pain and might benefit from subsidized yoga programs.
Good yoga props enhance your practice. Choose a durable, appropriately thick mat to support your joints and ensure comfort. If you’re carrying it daily, ensure it’s lightweight and has a comfortable strap. Taller individuals should opt for longer mats.
Investing in a thick, durable mat, like the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga, could be beneficial. It’s eco-friendly, antimicrobial, and designed for comfort and stability. Matching yoga blocks can help with more difficult poses, aiding flexibility and providing stability.
For those new to yoga or non-bendy individuals, try Yin or Restorative yoga. Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Anusara, and Yoga Therapy are other styles to explore based on your preference and needs.