I F you are struggling to find the kind of exercise that is right for you, then why not try YogiWalkie — a discipline that combines yoga and walking or hiking?
Created in 2009 by French yoga teacher Peggy Ménager, YogiWalkie was initially a therapeutic support activity designed to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients.
The practice now appeals to a wider audience, and is becoming increasingly popular.
Gentle and appeasing, this discipline is ideal for those seeking an alternative to overly intense cardio workouts; and it has many benefits.
What are the benefits?
First of all, yoga is excellent for both body and mind. It improves balance, develops flexibility and gently strengthens, sculpts and tones the body. According to US research, yoga can be as effective as stretching and strengthening exercises in improving physical condition. It is also a good activity for reducing stress, relieving anxiety and improving mood.
In fact, a Spanish study published in 2023 found that yoga could help reduce symptoms of depression. As for outdoor walking, it can help to clear the mind, aid weight loss and stimulate blood circulation, while strengthening the cardiovascular system.
According to Australia-based Heart Foundation Walking, walking an average of 30 minutes or more a day can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35 per cent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.
How to get started
The advantage of YogiWalkie is that it is not just for yoga pros. By focusing essentially on walking and breathing, this activity is suitable for everyone, whatever their level. There is a lot of walking and very little in the way of complex yoga postures. All you need to do is choose an outdoor location, such as your garden or a park, to make sure your body gets plenty of fresh air. Nor is flexibility essential. Indeed, Peggy Ménager told Ouest France: “Yoga today is all about postures. But traditionally, it was not about that. Breathing is the basis.” – ETXDailyUp
