Psychological and physiological influences of Hatha Yoga training on healthy, exercising adults. (yoga, stress, wellness)

METHODS: The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological and physiological differences between adult exercisers who added a weekly yoga class to their regular exercise program and those who did not. Subjects were pre tested and post tested for mood state, stress response, recovery heart rate, and spinal/hamstring flexibility. Over a period of eight weeks, subjects in both groups continued their normal exercise habits and maintained exercise logs. Subjects in the Yoga Group added a weekly yoga class. Subjects in the Control Group received a yoga class at a later time. At the end of eight weeks, exercise logs were collected and post tests were conducted. RESULTS: The results suggested: (1) more positive mood change in the Yoga Group over eight weeks, (2) more immediate positive affect from yoga than from cardiovascular or resistance training activities, (3) more compliance with yoga than with cardiovascular or resistance training activities, (4) comparable perceived exertion ratings for \'moderate\' Hatha Yoga and routine aerobic exercise, (5) an 8% gain in spinal and hamstring flexibility in the Yoga Group over eight weeks, and (6) decreased vulnerability to stress in the Yoga Group, at the same time that sources of stress for that group increased.