New Study on the Benefits of Hatha Yoga

Recently, the University of Wisconsin performed a study to discover if a regular Yoga workout routine is effective, and if so, how much of a difference the average person can expect to see if they decide to participate in a yoga class?

A group of 34 women who did not have a regular workout routine were selected for the study, and they were divided into a non-yoga control group, and a yoga experimental group. Each group was extensively tested before the study on their flexibility and muscular strength. For eight weeks, the yoga group participated in 55 minute Hatha yoga classes three times a week, and the non-yoga group did not participate in exercise. After the eight weeks, the yoga group showed a significant improvement in both muscular strength and flexibility, while the non-yoga group showed no improvement. On average, the yoga group showed a 48% increase in abdominal and lower back strength, a 29% increase in upper body strength, a 24% increase in flexibility, and a significant increase in balance, which may indicate an increase in leg and ankle strength.

Clearly, yoga classes can increase muscle tone and strength and improve the flexibility of your joints significantly. However, the study also revealed that a Hatha yoga class only has the aerobic workout equivalent of a slow walk. ACE Fitness recommends that in addition to a regular yoga routine, you should also add a more cardiovascular based routine to your workout to get maximum results.

So, be sure to join Jen and Adrienne for Club One Fitness' Hatha yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm! You will also want to check out Shelly's Power Yoga class on Saturday mornings at 10:30!