By fitlifemonthly 
A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible; the ancient practice can boost memory, heart, and bone health, according to Anna Magee.
Brits are now spending around £790 million on yoga classes and mats annually. While some new yoga trends like rage yoga or paddle-board yoga may seem eccentric, scientific research is increasingly supporting yoga’s health benefits. For instance, UCLA researchers found that a three-month course of yoga and meditation helped reduce age-related brain impairments better than memory exercises. Another study indicated improved sleep for breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, 53, turned to yoga during a deep depression instead of using prescribed anti-depressants. After a six-month yoga retreat in India, she returned happier and more content. Edge, who has written three books on yoga, also founded Yoga Meds, listing over 300 clinical trials showcasing yoga’s benefits for various conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
Yoga has been linked to improved memory and reduced stress. A UCLA study on adults over 55 compared 12 weeks of yoga and meditation against memory exercises. Those practicing yoga showed better spatial and visual memory, less depression and anxiety, and greater stress resilience. Dr. Clare Walton from the Alzheimer’s Society suggests more research into yoga’s benefits is needed.
You don’t need hours of yoga to benefit. Participants in the UCLA study did just one hour of Kundalini yoga weekly, which includes breathing techniques and meditation. They also practiced Kirtan Kriya, a meditation involving chanting and hand movements, for 20 minutes daily.
Evidence also suggests yoga can be as beneficial for heart health as conventional exercise. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found yoga might lower heart disease risk similarly to brisk walking. Yoga helps reduce stress, a major contributor to heart disease, by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation notes that yoga improves emotional health, which can benefit those with heart conditions. Research has shown yoga can positively affect blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, all risk factors for heart disease.
To reduce stress, consider gentle yoga poses or Restorative yoga, where postures are supported with props and held longer. This practice can swiftly reduce stress levels. Musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone incorporates yoga in back pain rehabilitation with significant success. NICE guidelines also recommend yoga for lower back pain, and Shone aims to train more physiotherapists in its use.
Yoga also helps prevent incontinence by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and can boost bone density due to its weight-bearing nature. Beginners should start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar and inform their teacher of any health issues. For specific conditions like back pain, consult a doctor about yoga on the exercise referral scheme.
If you’re new to yoga, good props like yoga mats and blocks can enhance your practice. Choose a mat that fits your space and needs, considering factors like portability and thickness for joint protection. For instance, Valka Yoga’s Elephant Cork Yoga mat and block are excellent choices, offering sustainability, cushioning, and great grip, especially for hot yoga.
Even without natural flexibility, yoga can benefit everyone. Different styles focus on various aspects:
– Yin or Restorative yoga offers a relaxing experience with the support of blankets and cushions.
– Vinyasa Flow is energizing, linking postures to breath in a smooth sequence.
– Iyengar yoga emphasizes alignment and uses props for precise postures.
– Anusara yoga combines alignment with flow and upbeat music.
– Yoga Therapy is tailored to heal specific injuries or illnesses with expert guidance.
Enhance your yoga practice to improve overall well-being through suitable styles and props, and enjoy the journey to better health and happiness.