Defend Your Brain With Yoga – Gradient Fitness

Its origins may trace back over 5,000 years, when it was first referenced in sacred texts in Northern India. Today, yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercises around the world. Whether you prefer Ashtanga, Bikram, Kundalini, or another style, new research reveals another reason to make yoga part of your routine for life: its power to protect the brain against the cognitive decline of old age.

A Health Craze with a History

Yoga had been practiced in the East for centuries before making its way west in the mid-1800s. Some evidence suggests Henry David Thoreau was likely the first American to practice. By the end of the century, yoga masters such as Swami Vivekananda began traveling to raise funds for their communities and share their culture and religion with the world.

It took a little while to catch on, but by the mid-twentieth century, yoga had become popular among Westerners for many benefits. Yoga has been associated with physical benefits like improved flexibility, metabolism, and muscle strength as well as mental health benefits like stress reduction and better focus. Beyond individual practice, yoga is also seen as a boon to public health, as it can be adapted for any age or ability level and can build a sense of community….READ MORE….

Original Article : Defend Your Brain With Yoga
By: curiosity
From: curiosity.com