Whether for general well-being or disease prevention, exercise is essential. [1-3] The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (an average of 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week) or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (such as swimming, digging, martial arts, running, etc.). [3]

Did you know? Physical activity includes all movements performed in daily life and therefore goes far beyond the scope of sports. Vacuuming, washing windows, and gardening are considered moderate-intensity activities.

Among the various forms of exercise, yoga stands out for its holistic approach. By combining physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, yoga offers a complete physical activity that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The benefits of yoga are many and varied.

Physical and mental health benefits of yoga

Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga has evolved over the centuries from an oral tradition to a codified discipline with founding texts such as Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Today, yoga is practiced around the world in various forms adapted to contemporary needs.

Different styles of yoga

There are several styles of yoga, each with its own characteristics:

• Hatha yoga: emphasizes holding postures for several breathing cycles.
• Ashtanga yoga and Vinyasa yoga: link postures together in shorter breathing cycles.

Physical benefits

Regardless of the style of yoga practiced, yoga improves muscle strength, flexibility, respiratory function, and balance. [4,5]

Mental benefits

Mentally, yoga is a powerful tool for stress management. Breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation promote emotional well-being and reduce anxiety. [5,6]

Yoga as prevention

In 2020, 3.6% of adults in France who practiced regular physical activity chose yoga as their preferred discipline. [7] It is an excellent ally in the primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease, and promotes healthy aging.

Yoga also has a place in secondary and tertiary prevention. As a non-drug therapy, it is used as a complement to rehabilitation for patients with heart disease. Its beneficial effects include: reducing systemic inflammation, decreasing stress, improving the cardiac autonomic nervous system, and managing cardiovascular risk factors. [8]

In respiratory rehabilitation, yoga has been shown to be beneficial for strengthening the respiratory muscles and core, improving respiratory control, and practicing mindfulness meditation. [9] It is also used in the rehabilitation of chronic low back pain, offering an interesting approach alongside more traditional rehabilitation techniques. [10]

In conclusion

Yoga is a comprehensive discipline that offers many benefits for physical and mental health. Whether you are looking to prevent disease, improve your overall well-being, or manage a chronic condition, incorporating yoga into your routine can be a beneficial solution. So why not try a yoga session and experience the benefits of this ancient practice for yourself?

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