The effect of Vinyasa Flow yoga on aerobic capacity

Vinyasa Flow yoga may be effective in preventing the chronic diseases associated with modern civilization as an alternative form of exercise for improving health and fitness levels. The purpose of this study was to determine if Vinyasa Flow yoga improves aerobic capacity and meets the ACSM’s guidelines for exercise intensity that improves and maintains cardiovascular health and fitness in healthy adults. Ten healthy beginning level male and female yoga students (19 to 25 years old) participated in the study. A 45-minute Vinyasa Flow yoga routine was implemented twice a week for six weeks. Aerobic capacity was assessed pre and post study using a graded exercise test and open-circuit indirect calorimetry. HR data was recorded to assess %HRmax during Vinyasa Flow yoga to determine the exercise intensity. The results showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in pre and post VO2max after 6 weeks for the treatment or control group using repeated measures ANOVA, and no significant difference in VO2max between groups, (p = 0.85). HR data suggests. Vinyasa Flow yoga is a light intensity exercise (~52% HRmax) for healthy fit adults (n = 4), and does not appear to improve health and fitness levels for protection against cardiovascular disease and pre-mature mortality associated with moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity.