By fitlifemonthly 
A yoga body isn’t just about flexible limbs; practicing yoga can also boost memory, improve heart health, and strengthen bones, according to Anna Magee.
Yoga has become a big deal in the UK, with people spending around £790 million each year on classes and mats. While yoga trends are getting more unusual with variants like rage or naked yoga and poses on paddle-boards or horseback, its real health benefits are being backed by science.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that a three-month yoga and meditation program was more effective at reducing age-related brain impairment than traditional memory exercises. Another study demonstrated that yoga could improve sleep in breast cancer survivors.
When Lucy Edge, a 53-year-old former advertising executive, faced severe depression, she turned to yoga instead of medication. Despite not achieving a “yoga goddess” body, she returned from a six-month yoga course in India feeling happier and more content. Lucy has since written three books about yoga and founded Yoga Meds, a platform that lists over 300 clinical trials showing the benefits of yoga for various conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
If you’re used to doing crosswords or Sudoku to keep your mind sharp, you might want to try yoga. A UCLA study compared the effects of 12 weeks of memory exercises versus yoga and meditation on adults over 55. Those who practiced yoga showed better improvements in spatial and visual memory, along with reduced depression and anxiety.
You don’t need to spend hours doing headstands to get these benefits. The study participants did just one hour of Kundalini yoga per week and 20 minutes of daily meditation called Kirtan Kriya, which involves chanting, hand movements, and visualizing light.
Gentle yoga can be as effective as brisk walking for heart health. A 2014 review published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found that yoga can help lower heart disease risk. Stress reduction through yoga can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the risk of blood clots.
For beginners looking to reduce stress, try Restorative yoga, where postures are supported with bolsters and cushions, held for up to 12 minutes. This form of yoga helps the nervous system relax quickly.
Yoga also aids back pain sufferers. Physiotherapist Sarah Shone incorporated yoga into a rehabilitation program for back pain, with 87% of participants reporting pain relief. NICE guidelines recommend yoga and stretching for lower back pain. Yoga also strengthens pelvic floor muscles and can help prevent incontinence while increasing bone density.
If you’re new to yoga, inform your teacher about any health issues. Starting with a gentle style like Hatha or Iyengar can be beneficial. Those with specific conditions like back pain should consult their doctor about a subsidized yoga course.
Choosing the right yoga mat can make your practice more comfortable. Consider where you’ll use it, how often you’ll transport it, and your height. Investing in a thicker mat can protect your joints if you have knee or wrist pain.
Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga for £69.95. It’s eco-friendly, made from organic cork and natural rubber, and offers great joint support. Cork mats are naturally antimicrobial and odour-resistant, ideal for sweaty sessions. It also comes with a carry strap and a one-year replacement warranty.
Adding a yoga block to your practice can help with difficult poses and provide extra stability. The Valka yoga block, which matches the elephant design mat and costs £19.95, is a good choice.
There are various types of yoga to suit everyone:
– Yin or Restorative yoga: Done with support for deep relaxation.
– Vinyasa Flow: Energetic and linked postures to breath.
– Iyengar yoga: Focuses on alignment with longer pose holds.
– Anusara yoga: Incorporates upbeat music and flowing movements.
– Yoga Therapy: Tailored to help heal specific injuries or illnesses.
Whether you want to try yoga for mental sharpness, heart health, or overall well-being, there’s a style that fits every need.