Yoga for fitness and for heart health

Where does yoga fit into your fitness program... is it a strength training workout, cardio or just a stretching exercise? Well if your not sure, yoga has lots of benefits that you may not know about including your heart health.  There are many forms of yoga, but in general, yoga focuses on breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), flexibility, and meditation (dhyana).  It can be very spiritual, linking the mind, body and spirit.
A good fitness program includes cardio (at least 20 minutes, three days per week), strength training (for every major muscle group, at least two sessions per week) and flexibility training (ideally every time you exercise or at least three times per week). It is probably best known for its flexibility benefits, along with its ability to help you sleep better and promote mindfulness. But yoga has also been shown to be a powerful contributor to heart health. In fact, according to research published in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, those who practice yoga have higher heart rate variability and stronger parasympathetic control, both of which are signs of a healthier heart.


 Forms of yoga can vary, depending on your level of experience and taste. Here is a breakdown of the different forms I found on the Spark People website

  Styles of Yoga 

If you're new to yoga, you might not be sure which class or video to start with. Here are a few of the most common yoga styles that are popular today:
  Ashtanga yoga (also referred to as Power yoga) is a fast-paced, intense yoga style. It focuses on constant movement from one pose to the next. However, this system does allow each student to work at her own pace.
  Bikram, or Hot yoga, is practiced in an environment where the temperature is 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat promotes intense sweating that will loosen tight muscles and facilitate cleansing of the body.
  Hatha yoga is a general term. These workouts usually include basic introductory yoga poses, and move at a gentle and slow pace.
  Iyengar yoga may be the most popular style practiced in the United States. With this style, poses are held for a longer duration. The purpose of this is for students to recognize the subtleties of each posture and to pay attention to their musculoskeletal system and body alignment. Using props (blocks, belts, blankets, etc.) to accommodate a variety of fitness levels and special needs is common in Iyengar yoga.
  Vinyasa yoga includes more aggressive stretches. These workouts focus on sun salutations and the connection of breath and movement.

So, if your like me, aim for at least one day a week and find one of the forms you love.  It is a great form of relaxation and the poses do get easier after time.  You will be amazed just how flexible you will become.