Outdoor Yoga

I love any opportunity to practise yoga outdoors as these photos show.

 And I'm excited that after a summer hiatus,Formby Yoga's Autumn/Winter Yogging Season begins next Sunday.
Yogging - yoga and jogging - combines the whole body exercise of yoga which increases flexibility, strength and balance with the cardiovascular benefits of jogging. The short jogging bursts create enough heat to keep the body's muscles warm enough to enjoy yoga outdoors with all of the wonderful benefits of bathing in nature. 

But you don't need to take my word for it that yoga and jogging can benefit your health - here's the science bit!

Researchers at Jaipur University discovered that just one yoga class and one jogging session a week could cut your risk in half of developing heart disease.

One group of 225 patients participated in aerobic exercise, another group of 240 patients participated in yoga, and a third group of 285 participated in both yoga and aerobic exercise.

The findings showed that aerobic exercise only and yoga only groups showed similar reductions in blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, weight and waist circumference. 

However, the combined yoga and aerobic exercise group showed a two times greater reduction compared to the other groups. They also showed significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function and exercise capacity.

And researchers at the University of Exeter concluded that exercising in nature afforded people a greater feeling of revitalization and positive energy, as well as decreasing tension, confusion, anger and depression. For the study, reviewers collected data from 11 trials involving 833 people. 

The research was conducted in collaboration with Public Health England as part of the Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health. 

Dr Angie Bone of Public Health England, said: “Evidence suggests that access to good quality green space is linked to feeling healthier, a lower body mass index and decreased levels of obesity, and improved mental health and wellbeing.”

If you want to join our weekly Yogging session at Formby Pool's Park  email me formbyyoga@gmail.com or call 07808 800 681 to book your place. Session costs £5 and runs between 9.30am and 10.30am every Sunday (weather permitting).