By fitlifemonthly 
A yoga body isn’t just about being flexible; the ancient practice of yoga can also improve memory, heart health, and bone strength. In recent times, yoga has gained immense popularity in the UK, with people spending around £790 million annually on classes and equipment. While some new forms of yoga may seem unusual, such as rage yoga, naked yoga, or dog yoga, research is increasingly highlighting yoga’s real benefits.
Studies from UCLA have shown that a three-month yoga and meditation course can be more effective than traditional memory exercises in reducing age-related brain changes. It has also been found to improve sleep for breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, turned to yoga instead of antidepressants during a period of deep depression. After spending six months in India to learn yoga, she returned happier and more content. She has since authored three books on yoga and created Yoga Meds, a section of her website that lists clinical trials showcasing yoga’s benefits for various conditions.
If puzzles have been your go-to for memory training, consider adding yoga to your routine. The UCLA study on adults over 55 showed that 12 weeks of yoga and meditation were more effective than memory exercises, resulting in better visual and spatial memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased stress resilience.
You don’t need long sessions to benefit from yoga. In the study, participants practiced Kundalini yoga, which includes breathing techniques, meditation, and some chanting, for one hour a week. They also did 20 minutes of Kirtan Kriya meditation daily.
Yoga is recommended for heart health too. A 2014 review found that yoga might lower heart disease risk as effectively as traditional exercise like brisk walking. This is likely because yoga reduces stress, a significant contributor to heart disease.
Charlotte Watts, a yoga teacher, has developed a stress-reducing series of gentle yoga poses perfect for beginners. Restorative yoga is also an excellent way to reduce stress, with postures supported by bolsters and cushions for deep relaxation.
Yoga is also beneficial for back pain. Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, developed yoga classes as part of a rehabilitation program, with 87% of participants reporting pain reduction. Yoga and stretching are recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence for lower back pain and can also improve pelvic floor muscle strength and increase bone density.
When starting yoga, it’s important to inform your teacher about any health issues and start with a gentle style like Hatha or Iyengar. If you have specific conditions like back pain, check if you qualify for a subsidized yoga course through an exercise referral scheme.
Finding the right yoga mat is essential. Consider where you’ll store it, how much you’ll carry it, and its thickness, especially if you have joint pain. A thicker mat provides better cushioning. For instance, the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga is eco-friendly, durable, and comfortable, making it worth the investment.
Cork yoga mats are naturally antimicrobial and become grippier when wet, making them a good choice for sweating. Valka Yoga also plants a tree for every order, contributing positively to the environment.
Yoga blocks can be helpful in achieving difficult poses by providing extra length and stability. Cork blocks, although heavier, provide better grip compared to foam blocks.
No matter your flexibility level, yoga can help you. For beginners, try Yin or Restorative yoga, usually done with the support of props like blankets and cushions. Vinyasa Flow classes are more energetic and link movements with breath. Iyengar yoga focuses on posture alignment and uses props, making it great for beginners. Anusara yoga combines alignment with flowing movements and is often set to upbeat music, leaving you feeling uplifted. Yoga Therapy offers a healing approach tailored to specific injuries or illnesses.
Yoga has something for everyone, whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your practice. It promotes physical and mental well-being, making it a worthwhile addition to your routine.