There is no shortage of evidence that yoga is good for you. The evidence is there in the scientific and medical journals as well as the myriad yoga classes that are available somewhere on most streets these days. Certainly the “West” has embraced parts of the Eastern yogic practice with enthusiasm but is it just another way to keep fit that could equally be accomplished by regular walks and gym sessions? A new study has provided the answer to that question.
The study surveyed participants aged 18 to 65 years from yoga classes and fitness clubs across the Washington D.C. area in the United States. The people surveyed were assessed for general health, psychological wellbeing, anxiety, depression, coping abilities, mindfulness, and perceived stress.
The findings showed that regular yoga practitioners and habitual exercisers were similar when it came to self-reported anxiety and depression.
However, the yoga practitioners were ahead in many other regards. They reported less joint pain and less headaches than those who engaged in aerobic exercise and weight training. The yoga folk also had higher scores for mindfulness and coping skills but lower scores for perceived stress than those who were regular exercisers.
The researchers emphasised that mindfulness and a consequent stress reduction was central to the greater benefit offered by yoga. So it seems there’s nothing wrong with exercise but yoga does give that little bit more.
I remember one of the first yoga classes I went to. I walked to the location and afterwards felt so light that I could have floated home. I like to walk early in the morning as it warms me up for the day and I feel alert and ready for work. If I climbed out of bed and went straight to work I wouldn't feel nearly so good - still bleary eyed and my mental state not so awake. After a short yoga 'stretch' my body feels painless and flexible so in that way it is good. I work at home and sit down at the computer/desk for several hours at a time and my lower back does hurt most days, except when I do my stretches first. So in summary I like both as they do different things for my body and mind. A combination of both would be ideal on a daily basis.
I seem to be able to concentrate better earlier in the day and of course, as I said above, my mind is way more alert, so like to do my work as soon as possible in the morning after my exercise then I have the rest of the afternoon to do the other things I need to.
How about you - what sets you up best for the day - Yoga or exercise?
If you are interested in what I do you can get a taste at the website here www.retireearly.co.nz
