A small study of adults with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension lowered their blood pressure after participating in “hot” yoga classes, according to Medical Express. Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. This ancient form of exercise combines postures, breathing techniques and meditative practices to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
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Evidence has shown that regular, room-temperature yoga has a positive effect on blood pressure, but few studies have been done to determine if hot yoga does the same. Hot yoga is usually done in a humid room at a temperature of around 105 degrees. And, while some believe hot yoga replicates the heat and humidity of India, others believe the excessive sweating rids the body of impurities.
The good news is yoga of any type can offer many health benefits including losing or maintaining weight, alleviating stress and lowering blood pressure. It’s also great for improving your balance, and increasing your stamina, strength and flexibility.
Other benefits of yoga include enhanced mood and mindfulness, so it should come as no surprise that it’s an excellent form of exercise for those who suffer from anxiety, mild depression or insomnia. Because yoga influences your neurotransmitters and boosts your serotonin, some studies suggest the effects of yoga are on a par with antidepressants and psychotherapy.
Yoga — and exercise in general —is virtually free and can provide you with numerous other health benefits, as well.
Regular exercise may help fight off colds and flu, reduce the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases and slow the process of aging. It can boost your body's immune system, slow the aging process, lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol and slash your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Whether it’s hot-, cold- or medium-temperature yoga or another form of exercise, you have nothing to lose (except weight, perhaps) and much — in the way of health benefits — to gain by simply getting out of the recliner and practicing your favorite type of activity on a regular basis.