Although yoga significantly improves brain function, yoga benefits the body in many other ways. Most types of yoga are categorized as light-intensity activities according to the American College of Sport Medicine. Because yoga does not impact the muscles, bones, and heart the way many exercises do, it is an exercise healthy for all ages.2
The yoga poses and breathing patterns build muscle strength and improve flexibility, which reduces injury and boosts endurance. Yoga also stabilizes blood pressure and lowers lipid levels by promoting increased blood flow.3 Research performed on 50 individuals found that yoga helped to reduce psychosomatic disorders and stress. Daily yoga practice also improved well-being in four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental.4