There are plenty of overall health perks too: Research from 2013 shows yoga can decrease inflammation, boost your immune system, and improve symptoms of chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. If you’ve been ditching yoga to make time for more sweat-centric workouts, know that research suggests yoga is just as healthy for your heart as taking a cycling class. Effects of a 12-week hatha yoga intervention on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility in Hong Kong Chinese adults: A controlled clinical trial.

A 2015 study found that a 12-week program improved muscle strength and endurance. DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.133893Īnd if you thought yoga was too gentle to be a solid workout, think again. Researchers found that young adults had better balance after doing three 1-hour yoga sessions per week for 5 weeks. But is there any science to back that up? Absolutely, according to a 2014 study. No doubt you’ve heard that it can also improve your balance. Yoga improves upper-extremity function and scapular posturing in persons with hyperkyphosis.

A 2012 study found that yoga improved flexibility and posture.

Whether you’re aiming for the flexibility of a gymnast or a calmer mind, yoga has immeasurable benefits.

So baby pull me closer 1 hour