It has been established by a body of research that the ancient
practice of yoga can help protect the heart. However, it can’t be as
good as cardio, right? Well, as it turns out, the effects of yoga and
cardiovascular exercise are quite similar, according to a new review by
the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
For their review, researchers looked at 37 different studies
encompassing nearly 3,000 individuals in total. Their aim was, knowing
some of the heart-healthy benefits of yoga (which include lowering blood
pressure and getting the heart pumping in a similar way to cardio,
depending on the position), to see how yoga compared to aerobic
exercise.
First of all, the researchers tested how yoga compared to no exercise
at all, and not surprisingly, the results were favorable: yoga was
shown to lower certain risk factors of cardiovascular disease. What was
more surprising was that yoga’s effect on heart disease risk was
“comparable” to that of cardio.
On
the similarities between yoga and exercise, the study authors wrote,
“there could be comparable working mechanisms, with some possible
physiological aerobic benefits occurring with yoga practice, and some
stress-reducing, relaxation effect occurring with aerobic exercise.”
The
study authors also noted that, “this finding is significant, as
individuals who cannot or prefer not to perform traditional aerobic
exercise might still achieve similar benefits in [cardiovascular] risk
reduction.” While no one is suggesting ditching your running shoes for a
yoga mat, adding yoga to your healthy lifestyle could amplify your
heart health significantly.
Other researched benefits of yoga include the potential to gain
flexibility, balance, strength, and better joint function, reduce muscle
pain, improve the quality of your sleep and digestive system, and
reduce your stress levels significantly. Have you tried this amazing
activity yet?
If not, it may be time to find a class near you!
-The Alternative Daily
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