Session One: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Session Two: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Plus Recorded Yoga Practice Video
Did you know that for most people, the degenerative processes typically linked to aging lead to a significant decline in lung capacity – up to 40% by age 65.
This reduction can create a cascade effect, impacting energy levels, physical activity, and overall quality of life. For this reason, as we age, maintaining cardiovascular and respiratory health becomes increasingly crucial.
But unfortunately, for many people above the age of 50, the typical approaches to building cardiovascular fitness and endurance like running, jumping, fast-paced biking etc. may not be available.
The good news? Research shows that ancient yogic breathing practices can have remarkable effects on our cardiovascular system.
Join us for a groundbreaking course with renowned yoga teacher Doug Keller and learn how Pranayama and other yogic breathing practices can help support healthy aging of the respiratory and cardiovascular system – particularly for those who may find traditional aerobic exercise challenging.
The Science Behind Breathing and Cardiovascular Health
Scientific research has revealed remarkable effects of pranayama on our cardiovascular system.
Studies have found that through regular practice, yogic breathing techniques can enhance our lungs’ capacity to take in and expel air, measured through improvements in forced vital capacity and expiratory volume.
Perhaps most remarkably, studies have found that Pranayama can actually increase our body’s maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) – a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness – even more effectively than traditional aerobic exercise.
In addition, yogic breathing practices have been found to significantly lower both resting heart rate and blood pressure, creating a foundation for better heart health.
The Breath-Bone Connection
Another fascinating finding in recent research is charting the effects of breathing on bone health.
When we breathe poorly, our bodies may not receive adequate oxygen, which can compromise bone health over time by lowering oxygen intake. Oxygen is crucial for the proper functioning of cells involved in bone metabolism.
Shallow breathing is also often associated with stress and anxiety, which can lead to increased cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can negatively impact bone density by promoting bone resorption,
Overbreathing, which can be a form of shallow breathing, can create an alkaline state in the blood, which in turn can cause the body to release minerals, including calcium, from bones, which can contribute to mineral depletion over time
Harnessing the Magic of Nitric Oxide
Deep yogic breathing techniques also offers a natural way to stimulate the production of nitric oxide in our bodies.
Nitric oxide is a remarkable compound that acts as a powerful ally in maintaining cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure.
Beyond its cardiovascular benefits, nitric oxide plays a crucial role in supporting our immune system and promoting healthy bone metabolism. Through specific yogic breathing techniques, we can naturally enhance our body’s production of this vital substance, creating a foundation for better overall health as we age.
In this course, Doug Keller will present a research-based approach to yogic breathing, which offers a gentle yet powerful way to support respiratory health, cardiovascular fitness, and overall vitality as we age. Join us to learn how to harness these transformative practices for yourself or your yoga students.
Session One: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Session Two: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Plus Recorded Yoga Practice Video
