Yoga & Movement

While it’s easy to think that yoga is all about physical poses, or “asanas”, breath and meditation are also critical components of this ancient practice. The word “yoga” is Sanskrit for “union” and in practice we use breath to connect the body and mind. Yoga is a versatile practice that has proven to be incredibly beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Studies using MRI scans and other brain imaging technology have shown that people who regularly did yoga had a thicker cerebral cortex (the area of the brain responsible for information processing) and hippocampus (the area of the brain involved in learn­ing and memory) compared with nonpractitioners. These areas of the brain typically shrink as you age, but the older yoga practitioners showed less shrinkage than those who did no yoga. This suggests that yoga may counteract age-related declines in memory and other cognitive skills. (Harvard Health Publishing)

Used as a muscle strengthening and balance exercise in older adults, yoga proved to help prevent loss of strength and improve flexibility in this 2019 study. The practice also helped low to moderate activity level women improve their low back and hamstring flexibility in this 2013 study. A 2016 study found that regular yoga practice helped increase the flexibility and balance of male college athletes.

Benefits of a regular yoga practice include:

• Decreased stress, improved stress coping

• Reduced symptoms associated with depression, anxiety disorders, pain, insomnia

• Improved digestion

• Better memory, learning ability, cognition

• Happier, increased quality of life

• Improved ability to concentrate in the presence of distractions

• Increased strength, balance, and mobility