Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women, and as women age, their risk of heart disease increases. However, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk and improve their heart health, and one of those steps is practicing yoga. Incorporating yoga into one’s lifestyle may serve as a beneficial intervention by potentially reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and heart rate.In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of yoga for women’s heart health and share some yoga poses that can help improve cardiovascular wellness.
Yoga for Heart Health: The Benefits
Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving circulation. Studies and articles from respected medical organizations & hospitals indicate that practicing yoga can assist in managing anxiety, stress, and depression, which are common conditions among those who have experienced a cardiac event or undergone cardiac surgery. In fact, research has shown that practicing yoga regularly can have a positive impact on several key risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Practicing yoga can help lower blood pressure by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Cholesterol levels: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Some studies have found that practicing yoga can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Yoga has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for heart health. Yoga can be an effective form of exercise for weight management, as it can help burn calories and build muscle.
Yoga Poses for Heart Health
There are several yoga poses that can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are a few to try:
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Engage your leg muscles and lift your chest. Hold for several breaths.
- Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, pressing your palms into the ground. Hold for several breaths.
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart, with your right foot pointing forward and your left foot turned out to the side. Bend your right knee and raise your arms to shoulder height, palms facing down. Hold for several breaths, then switch sides.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie face down with your palms on the ground next to your shoulders. Press into your palms and lift your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body. Hold for several breaths.
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lift your hips up toward the ceiling, pressing your feet and shoulders into the ground. Hold for several breaths.
Incorporating yoga into your routine can be a great way to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. By practicing yoga regularly and incorporating heart-healthy habits into your daily life, you can take control of your cardiovascular wellness and live a longer, healthier life.
To understand the positive effects yoga has on our bodies, please visit our website, or join our event to receive expert guidance from world-renowned yoga experts and physicians.
