By fitlifemonthly 
Yoga isn’t just about flexible limbs; it also boosts memory, heart, and bone health. More and more people in the UK are embracing yoga, spending £790 million annually on classes and mats. While some new yoga trends seem unusual – like naked yoga or paddle-board yoga – its genuine benefits are backed by science.
Researchers from UCLA discovered that a three-month course of yoga and meditation improved memory and reduced age-related brain changes more effectively than typical memory exercises. Another study found yoga could enhance sleep for breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, 53, turned to yoga during a deep depression instead of taking prescribed antidepressants. After a six-month retreat to India for yoga, she returned feeling happier and more content. She’s since written books on yoga and created Yoga Meds, which lists clinical trials showing yoga’s benefits for various conditions, from arthritis to insomnia.
Yoga can significantly improve memory. A UCLA study comparing memory exercises with a 12-week yoga and meditation course in adults over 55 showed better improvements in spatial and visual memory for those practicing yoga. They also experienced reduced depression and anxiety and increased resilience to stress.
A gentle form of yoga, Kundalini, was proven effective in the study. Participants practiced one hour of Kundalini yoga weekly, incorporating breathing techniques, meditation, and chanting mantras. The study also involved daily 20-minute sessions of Kirtan Kriya meditation.
Yoga also benefits heart health. A 2014 review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that yoga could lower the risk of heart disease as effectively as conventional exercises such as brisk walking. Stress, a significant factor in heart disease, can be reduced through yoga, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.
Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation notes that yoga is beneficial for emotional health, helping with anxiety, stress, and depression, which are common in individuals with heart conditions. Additionally, yoga can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight – all risk factors for heart disease.
For beginners, gentle forms like Restorative yoga are recommended. This involves supported postures held for extended periods, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher Sarah Shone incorporated yoga into back pain rehabilitation programs with significant success. NICE guidelines also support yoga as beneficial for lower back pain. Shone emphasizes that yoga’s benefits extend beyond just flexibility, aiding in incontinence and increasing bone density by targeting the pelvic floor muscles.
When starting yoga, choose gentler styles like Hatha or Iyengar, and inform your instructor of any health issues. For specific conditions such as back pain, consult your doctor about subsidized yoga programs.
Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, having the right equipment can enhance your practice. Choosing a suitable yoga mat involves considering its location, portability, and your height. A thicker mat can provide better joint protection and comfort.
Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga Mat from Valka Yoga, which is eco-friendly, versatile, and durable. This mat, made from organic cork and natural rubber, is renewable and recyclable. It includes a carry strap, a 15-day money-back guarantee, and a one-year replacement warranty. Valka Yoga also plants a tree for each order.
For additional support, a matching cork yoga block can be helpful for achieving difficult poses. Cork blocks, though heavier than foam, offer better stability and grip.
Different yoga styles suit various preferences and needs:
– Yin or Restorative Yoga: Ideal for relaxation with support from blankets and bolsters.
– Vinyasa Flow: Energetic and dance-like, linking postures to breath.
– Iyengar Yoga: Focuses on alignment and precision with the use of props, suitable for beginners.
– Anusara Yoga: Modern style with flowing movements and upbeat music.
– Yoga Therapy: Specialized yoga practiced by trained teachers to aid healing.
Overall, yoga offers a variety of health benefits and can be tailored to individual needs and conditions.