Saturday, November 18, 2006
Hatha yoga: great for strength, not cardio
While hatha yoga can improve overall strength and flexibility, don't count on it for optimal aerobic conditioning. Fitness experts at Texas State University-San Marcos measured hatha yoga's effect on the heart rate of 26 women (19-40 years old) during a 30-minute class of sun salutations. To condition the cardiovascular system, "people should exercise at 65-90 percent of heart rate maximum [HRmax]," says study co-author Lisa Lloyd, Ph.D. However, the average yoga HRmax was only 57 percent, compared with 72 percent for moderate walking (3.5 mph); that's not enough to improve aerobic fitness.
# posted by Medical Information : 4:52 AM
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