Wellbeing
What is yoga ?
All you need to know to get started with yoga , including the health benefits , yoga styles for beginners and finding a yoga class .
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength , flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing . The main components of yoga are postures ( a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility ) and breathing .
The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways . Yoga is now commonplace in leisure centres and health clubs .
What are the health benefits of yoga ?
Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga . While there ’ s scope for more rigorous studies on its health benefits , most studies suggest yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity , especially strength , flexibility and balance . There ’ s some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure , heart disease , aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress .
Does yoga count towards my 150 minutes of activity ?
Most forms of yoga are not strenuous enough to count towards your 150 minutes of moderate activity , as set out by UK government guidelines . However , yoga does count as a strengthening exercise , and at least two sessions a week will help you meet the guidelines on muscle-strengthening activities . Activities such as yoga and tai chi are also recommended for older adults at risk of falls , to help improve balance and co-ordination .
Can yoga help prevent falls ?
Yes . Yoga improves balance by strengthening your lower body – particularly your ankles and knees – thereby reducing your chances of falling . However , falls may sometimes be caused by a health condition , in which case it ’ s a good idea to see your GP or visit a falls clinic at a local hospital .
Can yoga help with arthritis ?
Yoga is popular with people with arthritis for its gentle way of promoting flexibility and strength . Some research suggests yoga can reduce pain and mobility problems in people with knee osteoarthritis . However , some yoga moves are not suitable for people with the condition . Find a teacher who understands arthritis and can adapt movements for individual needs , especially if you have replacement joints , and always check with a doctor or physiotherapist to find out if there are any movements to avoid .
Am I too old for yoga ?
Definitely not . People often start yoga in their 70s , and many say they wish they had started sooner . There are yoga classes for every age group . Yoga is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed at any time , from childhood to your advanced years .
Do I have to be fit to do yoga ?
No . You can join a class suitable for your fitness level . For example , to join a mixed-ability yoga class , you need to be able to get up and down from the floor . Some yoga classes are chair-based .
Do I need to be flexible to do yoga ?
Not necessarily . Yoga will improve your flexibility and help you go beyond your normal range of movement , which may make performing your daily activities easier .
Can I injure myself doing yoga ?
Yoga-related injuries are uncommon . Some injuries can be caused by repetitive strain or overstretching . But yoga is the same as any other exercise discipline – it ' s perfectly safe if taught properly by people who understand it and have experience . It ' s advisable to learn from a qualified yoga teacher and choose a class appropriate to your level .
What style of yoga should I do ?
There are many different styles of yoga , such as Ashtanga , Iyengar and Sivananda . Some styles are more vigorous than others , while some may have a different area of emphasis , such as posture or breathing . Many yoga teachers develop their own practice by studying more than one style . No style is necessarily better or more authentic than any other . The key is to choose a class appropriate for your fitness level .
What type of class should I look for ?
Classes can vary in duration but typically last between 45 and 90 minutes . A longer class will give you more time for learning breathing and relaxation techniques , and will give the teacher time to work with your individual ability . It ' s worth speaking to a teacher about their approach before you sign up for a class .
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