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sun_salutation2014-12-16 09:24 am
rydra_wong) wrote in sun_salutation2014-12-16 09:24 am
Cardiovascular benefits of yoga
A new meta-analysis has come out looking at the benefits of yoga in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease:
The Guardian: Yoga may provide similar health benefits to ‘cycling or brisk walking’
Abstract: The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
This is fascinating because it's previously been assumed that, because yoga's not an aerobic exercise per se (unless you're doing a vigorous practice like Ashtanga), it may be very beneficial in other ways, but won't substitute for aerobic exercise.
But this study suggests that yoga performed well on a variety of measures of cardio and metabolic health (cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, trigylcerides, etc.).
I suspect it may still not be a substitute if you're trying not merely to prevent cardiovascular disease but to improve your heart and lung stamina for a sport, or whatever; if you want better aerobic endurance you have to train aerobic endurance.
But it's very impressive, and comforting for those of us who shudder at the prospect of running.
The Guardian: Yoga may provide similar health benefits to ‘cycling or brisk walking’
Abstract: The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
This is fascinating because it's previously been assumed that, because yoga's not an aerobic exercise per se (unless you're doing a vigorous practice like Ashtanga), it may be very beneficial in other ways, but won't substitute for aerobic exercise.
But this study suggests that yoga performed well on a variety of measures of cardio and metabolic health (cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, trigylcerides, etc.).
I suspect it may still not be a substitute if you're trying not merely to prevent cardiovascular disease but to improve your heart and lung stamina for a sport, or whatever; if you want better aerobic endurance you have to train aerobic endurance.
But it's very impressive, and comforting for those of us who shudder at the prospect of running.