Health and Wellness: Yoga and Physical Activity
Yoga and physical activity are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Yoga is a holistic approach to wellness that can improve physical and mental health, while physical activity promotes overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the benefits of yoga and physical activity, as well as the potential risks and considerations for practicing hot yoga.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient physical and spiritual practice that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a form of exercise that involves a series of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga has many benefits, including increased strength, flexibility, and calm.
Hot Yoga
Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is a style of yoga that is performed in a heated environment. Hot yoga classes are typically heated to a specific temperature with traditional heaters or infrared heat. Infrared heat penetrates the body deeply and increases circulation while aiding in joint and muscle pain relief. Hot yoga classes are typically taught in spaces warmed to 90 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with ideal humidity levels ranging between 40% and 60%. Similar conditions can be achieved outdoors in naturally warm climates.
Benefits of Hot Yoga
Practicing hot yoga may increase the intensity of a yoga session while offering additional health and wellness benefits. Some potential benefits of hot yoga may include improved flexibility, enhanced mood, reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, improved muscle strength and balance, and enhanced skin quality.
Risks of Hot Yoga
However, hot yoga may also have risks, including heat intolerance/heat stroke, heat stroke, dehydration, and pregnancy complications. It is important to check with your doctor to make sure hot yoga is safe for you before trying it.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is also an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is important for older adults as it can help with balance, mobility, and strength. It is safe for older adults to exercise, and the best exercises for older adults are moderate cardio, light strength exercises, and balance-improving activities.
Wellness Perks at Work
A study published in the Industrial Relations Journal found that wellness perks, such as yoga in the office, mental health benefits, and nap time, do not improve employee well-being. The study looked at the outcomes of 90 different wellness interventions among 46,336 workers in 233 organizations. The only "perk" that improved well-being was volunteering, which enhanced a sense of purpose among workers. The study suggests that organizational and structural changes to the workplace, such as changes to scheduling, management practices, staff resources, performance review, and performance reviews, would better improve employee well-being.
Conclusion
Yoga and physical activity are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Practicing hot yoga may increase the intensity of a yoga session while offering additional health and wellness benefits. However, it is important to check with your doctor to make sure hot yoga is safe for you before trying it. Exercise is important for older adults, and the best exercises for older adults are moderate cardio, light strength exercises, and balance-improving activities. Wellness perks at work may not improve employee well-being, and organizational and structural changes to the workplace would better improve employee well-being.
