Everyone knows aerobic exercise is good for the heart. What is less well known is that combining yoga and aerobic exercise may benefit cardiovascular health more than either one on its own.
What the research found
Research presented at an American College of Cardiology Middle East conference examined the effect of yoga and aerobic training on 750 people with obesity, type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease. Participants were split into three groups: one doing aerobic exercise only, one doing yoga only, and one doing a combination of both.
By the end of the study, the yoga-only and aerobic-only groups had achieved similar improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, body weight and waist circumference. The group that combined yoga and aerobic training, however, saw roughly double the improvement in those same risk factors, along with greater gains in exercise capacity and measures of heart function.
The researchers concluded that pairing yoga with aerobic exercise appeared to reduce physical and cardiovascular stress more effectively than either approach alone, and suggested heart disease patients may benefit from making yoga a regular part of their routine, alongside standard aerobic exercise and medical care.
Yoga’s other, well-established benefits
Beyond this specific study, yoga has broader research support for improving sleep quality, supporting healthy blood glucose levels, increasing blood flow, building muscle and bone strength, and improving flexibility, and it is often used alongside other training to support weight management.
Something to discuss with your doctor
If you have existing heart disease or another cardiovascular condition, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, including yoga, so it can be tailored safely to your situation. For most healthy adults, adding yoga alongside regular aerobic exercise is a low-risk way to round out a training program.
Get both at Hammers Gym
Hammers Gym gives you everything this research points to in one place: a full cardio area for your aerobic training, plus regular yoga classes to pair with it. Check the gym timetable for class times and start combining the two this week.
We are a 24/7 gym in Nunawading, minutes from Mitcham, Blackburn, Box Hill and Doncaster. New here? Try a free trial or view our membership options.
Reference: Tanwar, S. et al. (2017). “Yoga and aerobic exercise together may improve heart disease risk factors.” ACC Middle East Conference 2017.