Myth: Yoga might be relaxing, but it has no real health benefits Fact: In 2021, Complementary Therapies in Medicine , a peer-reviewed medical journal, published research that measured yoga’s effects on patients with coronary heart disease. The study found that it was just as beneficial as jogging, walking, or tennis. Study participants averaged a 23% decrease in cholesterol levels, and nearly 50% saw the progression of their heart disease stop. On top of that, numerous studies have found that yoga help combat depression and improve sleep.
Get started with yoga
Ready to try a pose or two? If you might enjoy the environment and energy of an in-person class, check with your local gym or senior center for a list of offerings. Prefer to work out at your own home? Consider live virtual classes, free online videos, or videos from your local library. But as with any new exercise routine, check with your doctor or other health care provider before you start. They may be able to share additional resources, and maybe even give advice on the best exercises for you.
Elsewhere in this issue, Nicole Abendroth wrote about gratitude and preventive screenings.
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