New Research Shows Traditional Exercise Outperforms Yoga in Promoting Vascular and Heart Health

Recent scientific findings challenge the common perception that yoga is equally effective as traditional exercise in improving cardiovascular health. Published in Advances in Integrative Medicine, a comprehensive review of existing studies—including randomized controlled trials and crossover studies—examined the impact of yoga versus other physical activities on vascular function in sedentary adults.

Vascular health, which pertains to the elasticity and responsiveness of blood vessels, is vital for cardiovascular well-being. Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged sitting can impair vessel flexibility, leading to increased risks of hypertension, cholesterol buildup, and blood clots.

Lead researcher Dr. Leena David from the University of Sharjah explained that blood vessels function like flexible hoses; when they stiffen, the risk of heart attacks and strokes rises. The study indicates that structured physical activities, such as Tai Chi, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training, reliably maintain vessel elasticity, whereas yoga offers some benefits but with less consistency. Notably, middle-aged and older adults often report improvements from yoga, but younger individuals may not experience the same effects.

The global prevalence of yoga practitioners, estimated at 300 million, and the over 620 million people affected by cardiovascular disease underscore the importance of these findings. The research emphasizes that the type, intensity, and consistency of physical activity are crucial for optimal vascular health. Regular movement—even simple routines—can enhance arterial resilience and help counteract the damaging effects of prolonged sitting.

Dr. David advocates for a balanced approach, combining various forms of exercise to promote heart health. While yoga remains accessible and culturally significant, it may need to be supplemented with more vigorous exercises for consistent cardiovascular benefits. Public health strategies should emphasize movement as medicine, encouraging diverse physical activity routines tailored to individual capabilities.

In summary, although yoga is beneficial and widely accessible, it may not offer the same vascular health improvements as traditional or high-intensity exercises. Health care providers are encouraged to recommend a mix of activities to improve vascular function and overall heart health, especially for sedentary populations. Embracing a spectrum of movement types could help make cardiovascular health more achievable for everyone.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-scientists-yoga-effective-traditional-vascular.html