Yoga is shown to improve stress, anxiety and depression. While it does not count towards your weekly exercise total (as it is not classed an aerobic activity) it is recommended as an additional activity. A good way to involve yoga in your weekly routine would be to use some of the movements during your cool down after your exercise session.
For people with heart conditions or at risk of heart conditions, yoga helps you to deal with your stress which as you now know is a risk factor for heart disease. It can also lower blood pressure and promotes confidence and motivation which may help you maintain other lifestyle changes you are implementing. It also improves balance and coordination which is important for some of you (you know who you are). Practising yoga movement works the muscles and the deep breathing involved brings more oxygen into the body and can help reduce blood pressure.
Here’s a fun fact for you, the Sanskrit term for yoga postures is asana which can be translated to postures that are comfortably held. So, for anyone thinking Yoga involves bending your body into weird and wonderful shapes this doesn’t have to be the case and shouldn’t be the case for those of you with heart conditions as it will put too much strain on your heart. Holding the positions in a comfortable position for you is very relaxing and a great way to stretch your body.
I don’t do any yoga myself, but I know plenty of people who do. Have a look for some videos on YouTube. If you can find one that lasts 10-15 minutes you can use this as your cool down. But it’s something that I highly recommend especially for those of you who struggle with stress.
