Is Yoga Cardio? What Seniors Should Know About This Heart-Friendly Practice
Is yoga cardio? Not usually, though it is a heart-healthy exercise that can challenge the heart and muscles. However, yoga can serve as both a cardio and strength-training workout.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Every 34 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease. Prioritizing low-impact workouts like yoga may strengthen your heart, potentially lowering your risk of a heart attack.
The answer to the question "Is yoga cardio?" depends on the stretches you choose. This heart-healthy exercise can also relieve stress, further benefiting your heart.
What senior yoga benefits can you experience during your retirement in Lafayette, CO? Read on to find out!
Can You Cure Heart Palpitations?
When heart palpitations are caused by stress or anxiety, yes, yoga may help reduce the occurrence of heart palpitations. You can also use mindful breathing or meditation to relieve stress.
Otherwise,adjust your lifestyle to avoid activities that may trigger heart palpitations, including:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating rich or spicy foods
- Drinking caffeinated beverages
- Working out too vigorously
Consult your doctor if you have an abnormal heart rhythm, heart disease, or heart palpitations. They can recommend treatment options, such as medication or surgery, based on your distinct needs.
Prevention tips for heart palpitations include:
- Limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet
- Avoiding tobacco or nicotine products
- Avoiding foods and activities that trigger palpitations (see above)
- Adjusting your diet (consider the DASH diet)
- Biofeedback techniques
- Guided imagery
- Tai chi, yoga, or meditation
- Exercising regularly
- Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Is Yoga Cardio?
There are three main types of exercise:
- Cardio
- Strength training
- Flexibility and balance exercises
Yoga falls into the latter category. Balance and flexibility exercises can relieve pain and help prevent injury. Yoga can improve your performance during cardio and strength training sessions.
There are many different types of yoga, including restorative and active poses. As a mind-body practice, yoga incorporates a combination of:
- Breathing techniques
- Physical postures
- Meditation
This combination of practices allows yoga to fall into more than one exercise category. Yes, yoga can be considered cardio, butit's also a strength training and flexibility exercise.
Yoga falls under different categories based on the style you choose and your fitness levels. For example:
- Strength training: You challenge muscles when holding static poses, with your body weight providing resistance.
- Flexibility: Stretching and lengthening muscles during poses can increase flexibility.
- Cardio: Faster-paced exercises can raise your heart rate, counting as low- or moderate-intensity cardio.
- Balance: Staying steady during different poses can improve balance and flexibility.
Senior Yoga Benefits
Practicing yoga can benefit the mind and body.Here are a few benefits you may experience during these low-impact workouts.
Stress Relief
Stress can trigger inflammation, the body's natural immune response. Excessive and chronic stress can put a strain on your heart, causing your heart to pump faster. Your blood pressure may rise, which can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Yoga may help relax your mind and body. These exercises involve deep breathing and mental focus, which can offset stress. Practicing yoga may help you better manage stress, potentially reducing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Heart-Healthy Exercise
Yoga may help lower your:
- Heart rate
- Blood glucose levels
- Blood cholesterol
- Blood pressure
Yoga may help improve your blood measurements and waist circumference, potentially reducing your risk of heart disease.
In one study, participating in slow-paced yoga twice a week reduced the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes in patients. It could help improve your exercise capacity, further improving your overall health. This may lower inflammation, reducing your risk of heart disease.
According to a review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, yoga may help lower heart disease risk as much as conventional exercise. Yoga could complement other exercises when used to cool down, through gentle movement and calming breaths.
Flexibility and Balance
Yoga can help improve your balance, muscle strength, and flexibility. These exercises can improve your performance during strength training and cardio workouts. Completing strength training and cardio workouts can improve your physical performance and heart health.
Explore your senior living community's Vibrant Life for exercise classes. Add a blend of cardio, strength training, and flexibility classes (including yoga) to your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Fastest Way to Improve Heart Health?
There's no one quick way to improve your heart health. Heart-healthy habits include:
- Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Getting enough sleep
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Exercising regularly
- Balancing calorie intake with physical activity
- Consuming healthy, lean proteins
- Eating minimally processed foods
- Reducing your intake of sugar, sodium, and trans fats
To improve your diet, consider exploring your senior living community's dining program. You can find heart-healthy meals that will support your overall wellness.
Consult a doctor if you're concerned about your heart health. They can make personalized recommendations based on your needs.
What Yoga Is Best for Heart Health?
The best yoga exercises for heart health include:
- Trikonasana
- Vrikshasana
- Tadasana
- Virabhadrasana
- Utkatasana
- Bhujangasana
- Paschimottanasana
- Sukhasana
Consult a doctor, physical therapist, or experienced instructor before practicing these poses.They'll ensure you use the correct form, allowing you to avoid potential injuries. You can find yoga classes for heart health through your senior living community.
Discover Movement for Aging Adults
To recap, is yoga cardio? It can be, depending on what exercises you choose. You can add yoga to your exercise routine to improve your performance during cardio workouts.
Remember, you can find more helpful resources through your Lafayette, CO senior living community. The Discovery Senior Living family of management companies, which includes The Peaks at Old Maramie Trail, proudly ranks number one in Customer Satisfaction Among Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in the JD Power 2025 US Senior Living Satisfaction Study.
At The Peaks at Old Maramie Trail, we offer signature programs, including Vibrant Life® and Elevate® Dining, to ensure you experience the best years of your life. Enjoy a variety of events, outings, and classes through Vibrant Life® or home-style meals through Elevate® Dining. Contact us now to schedule your tour.