By fitlifemonthly 
Having a flexible body isn’t the only benefit of yoga. This ancient practice can also boost memory, and improve heart and bone health, according to Anna Magee.
Today, many people in the UK are really into yoga, spending around £790 million each year on classes and equipment. While yoga takes many forms nowadays—everything from rage yoga to dog yoga—scientific research is increasingly supporting its real benefits.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month course of yoga and meditation was better than memory exercises for reducing age-related brain problems. Another study found that yoga helped breast cancer survivors sleep better.
When Lucy Edge, now 53, faced severe depression, she turned to yoga instead of the antidepressants she was prescribed. She took a six-month break from work to learn yoga in India. While she didn’t achieve a perfect “yoga body,” she returned feeling happier and more content. Inspired by her experience and wanting to spread the word, she has written three books on yoga and created Yoga Meds, a resource listing over 300 clinical trials on yoga’s health benefits.
So, what can yoga do for you? Let’s break it down:
Boosting Memory
If your memory activities thus far have been limited to crossword puzzles and Sudoku, consider adding yoga to your routine. UCLA research involved 25 adults over 55 and found that those who practiced yoga and meditation for 12 weeks had better improvements in memory and reduced depression and anxiety compared to those who did only memory exercises.
A gentle form of yoga called Kundalini, which combines breathing techniques, meditation, and mantras, was especially effective. Participants did one hour of Kundalini yoga per week and 20 minutes daily of a meditation called Kirtan Kriya.
Heart Health
Yoga can significantly benefit your heart. A systematic review published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that yoga could lower heart disease risk just as much as traditional exercises like brisk walking. Yoga helps manage stress—a key contributor to heart disease—by lowering blood pressure and heart rates.
Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation notes that yoga helps with conditions related to emotional stress, like anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which can follow a heart event or surgery. It can also improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
Reducing Stress
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher and author, created stress-reducing yoga sequences suitable for beginners. Similarly, Anna Ashby from Triyoga Studios in London recommends Restorative yoga for stress relief. This style involves holding postures on bolsters and cushions for extended periods, giving your nervous system a break.
Back Pain Relief
Sarah Shone, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and yoga teacher, developed yoga classes for back pain that were incorporated into a rehabilitation program. An impressive 87% of participants reported less pain. NICE guidelines even recommend yoga for lower back pain.
Pelvic Floor and Bone Health
Yoga can also help prevent incontinence and improve bone density since it targets the pelvic floor and other muscles. It’s adaptable and accessible to everyone.
Getting Started
For beginners, it’s essential to find the right type of yoga and inform your teacher about any health issues. Styles like Hatha or Iyengar are gentle and suitable for starters.
Choosing the Right Yoga Mat
Picking the right yoga mat can make a big difference. Consider the mat’s location, thickness for joint protection, and whether it comes with a comfortable strap for transportation. Valka Yoga’s Elephant Cork Yoga Mat is durable, eco-friendly, and provides ample support, making it a good pick.
Other Essentials
Yoga props like blocks can help you get into poses more comfortably. While cork blocks are heavier than foam, they provide better stability and grip.
No matter how flexible you are, yoga can be beneficial. Different styles like Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Anusara, and Yoga Therapy cater to various needs and levels.
Whether new to yoga or experienced, having the right gear and mindset can enhance your practice.
Lucy Edge’s book, “Down Dog Billionaire,” is available on Amazon for more insights.