[Meg]

Yoga Not A Substitute For Aerobics
Workout doesn't improve heart health, weight control, study finds

Reuters
Updated: 8:09 p.m. ET Sept. 5, 2004

WASHINGTON - Practicing yoga can enhance a workout but it is an inadequate substitute for vigorous exercise such as aerobics, according to a study released on Thursday.

Yoga offers less than half the physical benefits of even a light to moderate walk, the study by researchers at Texas State University concluded.

"Yoga's a good form for flexibility and muscular fitness, but it's not so good for weight loss and aerobic conditioning," said Lisa Lloyd, an assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation at Texas State.

"Unfortunately, the general public doesn't realize it's a good supplemental exercise, but shouldn't be someone's sole activity," Lloyd said in a written statement.

The eight-week study, to be published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, was spurred by the growing popularity of yoga and a concern by the researchers that too many people may forego tougher physical fitness activities thinking that yoga alone is enough to improve their health.

The study compared the energy consumption of a 30-minute yoga session versus a light walk on a treadmill.

Lloyd and co-author Carolyn Clay said they found that "hatha" yoga -- the term for the physical elements of yoga -- is not nearly as beneficial as aerobic exercise for cardiovascular conditioning, muscular development or weight loss.

Although a yoga routine produced high heart rates in the 30 college-age women who participated in the study, Lloyd said that may be a result of holding the same position for a long time.

The effect was not enough to improve cardiovascular health or control weight, the study found.

Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5908998/

[rochemist]

Benefits Of Practicing Yoga On A Regular Basis:
Improved muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
Reduce stress, tension and blood pressure
Boost self-esteem
Improves concentration and creativity
Improves circulation
Improves digestion
Stimulates the immune system
Improves balance
Improves mind/body connection
Improves posture
Improves agility
Yoga helps create a sense of well-being and calm

And it's something to do while your not stuffing your face Who gets paid for these studies? No one has ever told me that Yoga had all the benefits of a cardivascular workout or heavy duty strength training. But for mind-body connection, flexibility, self-esteem, body image, and relaxation Yoga is the bomb!

IMHO
Chris