By fitlifemonthly 
A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible. This ancient practice can actually boost your memory, improve heart health, and strengthen your bones, says Anna Magee.
In the UK, people are spending a whopping £790 million a year on yoga classes and gear. While modern twists like rage yoga and dog yoga might sound odd, there’s solid evidence backing the benefits of traditional yoga.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month program of yoga and meditation was better than memory exercises for older adults. It helped with sleep, especially for breast cancer survivors. One study confirmed yoga’s superior benefits in reducing age-related brain changes.
Take Lucy Edge, for instance. At 53, the former advertising executive battled depression and turned to yoga rather than medication. She took a six-month break to learn yoga in India. Although she didn’t attain the so-called “yoga goddess” body, she came back happier and more content. Now she’s written books on yoga and runs Yoga Meds, a resource detailing over 300 studies on yoga’s health benefits.
If you’ve only been using crossword puzzles to keep your mind sharp, it might be time to try yoga. A study evaluated folks over 55 who committed to 12 weeks of either memory exercises or yoga and meditation. The yoga group not only saw better memory improvements but also experienced less depression and anxiety.
Dr. Clare Walton of the Alzheimer’s Society suggests that this small study shows a need for more research into yoga’s potential to improve brain health with age. What’s great is you don’t need hours of practice—just one hour of Kundalini yoga per week can do the trick. This gentle form combines breathing, meditation, and chanting.
Yoga may also be just as effective as traditional exercise in lowering heart disease risk, according to a 2014 review published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology. Stress is a major heart disease contributor, and yoga’s stress-reducing nature benefits the heart. Practicing yoga has shown improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher, has created a series of poses to reduce stress, perfect for beginners. For deeper relaxation, try Restorative yoga, which involves supported postures held for longer to give your nervous system a break.
Yoga can also relieve back pain. Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, saw a significant reduction in pain among her class participants. NICE guidelines even recommend yoga for lower back pain. Shone is now training physiotherapists to incorporate yoga into their treatments.
Additionally, yoga targets pelvic floor muscles and supports bone density, making it good for preventing incontinence and weakening bones. It’s adaptable too, so anyone can try it.
If you’re new to yoga, start with a gentle style like Hatha or Iyengar, and inform your teacher of any health issues. For specific conditions like back pain, check if you can join a subsidized yoga program.
Finally, having the right gear helps. Choose a yoga mat based on where you’ll use it, how you’ll transport it, and your height. A thicker mat can protect your joints and make your practice more comfortable. Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga for its eco-friendly materials and design.
Overall, no matter your flexibility level, there’s a yoga style to suit you:
– For relaxation: Try Yin or Restorative yoga with supportive props.
– For energy: Opt for Vinyasa Flow classes.
– For precision: Choose Iyengar yoga, which focuses on alignment.
– For a mix of movements and music: Try Anusara yoga.
– For healing specific issues: Explore Yoga Therapy.
No matter what your goal is, integrating yoga into your routine can be a game-changer for your health and wellness.