Yoga for Improved Flexibility, Strength, Endurance and Balance

I’m guessing most yogis do not need to read anything to know this is true but here’s a longer article about a study done by the American Council on Exercise showing that a regular Hatha yoga practice can lead to significant health improvements over just two months of continued practice. They had 17 women (average age 33) take a 55-minute Hatha yoga class for three days a week for eight weeks. They had 17 other women do nothing and then compared the two groups. By the end of the study, the women who had practiced yoga had “significantly improved” flexibility, muscular strength, endurance and balance. It goes to show that a lot of gains can be made over a short time period, if you are consistent in practicing. I also find it interesting that there were no significant changes in cardio strength. I don’t know if I believe that part though; my heart feels a lot stronger after yoga!