CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The benefits of yoga appear to go beyond the mat. It may also help the heart.
A new study took a closer look at how yoga works to help with heart rhythm problems.
Yoga participants at the TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion weighed in on what they think of this mind-body exercise.
"It really keeps me pain-free. I don't have any pain in my joints,” said Betty Zea, who has been taking classes for several years.
"I like that it has really strengthened my core,” said Monica Koch.
Some say there’s really no reason not to do yoga.
"Yoga is ultimate transformer. It can be anything you want. It can help your physical appearance. It can ease your emotional stress, bring flexibility and strength. It's whatever you need,” said Tetyana Francis, a Trihealth yoga instructor.
But now, cardiologist Dr. Gaurang Gandhi says there's another potential benefit to this ancient practice that builds strength and flexibility -- it also helps regulate the electrical activity of the heart.
“Anything that causes calmness, and I think people that get into yoga or any kind of physical fitness, they are going to walk more, exercise more, they are going to eat better, and I think they are going to improve their lifestyle,” Dr. Gandi said.
In fact, several studies now show those who practice yoga may have up to a 50% reduction in episodes of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, which can reduce the risk of heart failure.
"It's really great for stress and sleep," Zea said. "I sleep pretty well every day and I just feel like I'm a lot stronger, and there's a lot of breathing techniques that you learn in yoga that help for stress and anxiety."
"It really helps with stress and just kind of helps you with sort of a peaceful attitude, and I love coming here and just having that hour of peace and just focus on feeling good,” said Koch.
Of course, other habits influence Afib, as well, but for those who are concerned, a cardiologist may suggest yoga as part of a personal prescription for good health.
