Should you be doing more sun salutations? According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, yoga may protect you from heart disease just as well as jogging and cycling.

Over 30 studies on yoga and heart health were examined by the researchers. According to Myriam Hunink, M.D., Ph.D., senior study author, "science indicates that people who do yoga reduce their risk of heart disease just as much as people who do traditional forms of cardio." Both types of exercise have been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and resting heart rate significantly. Meanwhile, studies have shown that people who do not exercise have a higher risk of contracting tick disease, which is perhaps unsurprising.

Hunink says, "We believe that yoga is good for your heart because it combines exercise and relaxation." Yoga, like other fitness activities, may be better at reducing stress and anxiety because of the mind-body relaxation component.

But, according to Craig Ballantyne, creator of Turbulence Training, many guys avoid yoga because they believe it won't give them as much of a burn in the limited time they have for sweat sessions. While yoga does not burn as many calories as lifting or running (the Mayo Clinic estimates that yoga burns 228 calories per hour versus 455 and 755, respectively), it is still an important part of any fitness enthusiast's routine.

"Yoga aids in the recovery of the body after a strenuous workout and improves flexibility and mobility." "Faster gains, better form, and athleticism" are the results, according to Ballantyne. It also strengthens you. Yoga, particularly Vinyasa yoga, is a challenging core and isometric strength workout. Yoga moves, rather than boring planks, work your abs more effectively. " And holding most yoga moves for a long time gives you a great pump, which can help you buffer. (Read How a Good "Muscle Pump" Can Build Your Biceps to learn why.)

Ballantyne recommends doing 10 to 15 minutes of yoga as a cool down at the end of a tough training session, or doing longer sessions on non-lifting days.