The Non-Cardio Exercise That Reduces Your Risk of Heart Disease

Not a huge fan of plugging away on the elliptical? You have other options! Here, one form of exercise proven to boost your ticker—no gym required.

 

Good news for people who prefer sun salutations to the climber: Practicing yoga can provide protection against heart disease, comparable to the benefits of cardio, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The researchers analyzed 2,768 subjects divided into 37 randomized controlled to measure the benefits of yoga in comparison with other forms of aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking or cycling) and no exercise at all tests.

There were two main conclusions. First, the improvement of cardiovascular risk factors in people who practice yoga, compared to those who do not exercise at all. Second, the positive effect of yoga risk factors was similar to other forms of exercise.

It makes sense when you consider that yoga reduces stress and stress increases the risk of heart disease. "Stress reduction, relaxation or meditation can play a role in the realization of these benefits," says Paula Chu, a doctoral candidate at Harvard University, who led the study.

Although there is no formula to determine how many dogs are low equivalent to a 5K, one thing is certain: The practice of yoga triumphs being a couch potato, every time. Namaste!