Study: Yoga not a substitute for aerobics

If you're only doing a 'soft' form of exercise like yoga or Pilates, you're probably missing out on a lot of the health and fitness benefits that usually come from regular exercise. It's always best to crosstrain: perform some form of strength training and aerobic conditioning 2-4 times per week and mix in a couple of yoga classes on your 'off' days.

(MSNBC Fitness) -- Yoga workout doesn't improve heart health, weight control, study finds

Practicing yoga can enhance a workout but it is an inadequate substitute for vigorous exercise such as aerobics, according to a study released on Thursday.

Yoga offers less than half the physical benefits of even a light to moderate walk, the study by researchers at Texas State University concluded.

"Yoga's a good form for flexibility and muscular fitness, but it's not so good for weight loss and aerobic conditioning," said Lisa Lloyd, an assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation at Texas State.

"Unfortunately, the general public doesn't realize it's a good supplemental exercise, but shouldn't be someone's sole activity," Lloyd said in a written statement.

The eight-week study, to be published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, was spurred by the growing popularity of yoga and a concern by the researchers that too many people may forego tougher physical fitness activities thinking that yoga alone is enough to improve their health.

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