A Study on the Effect of Yoga Practice on Women's Physical Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Women's health is a multidimensional concept encompassing physical, mental, emotional, hormonal, and social well-being. Modern lifestyles characterized by sedentary behaviour, occupational stress, unhealthy dietary habits, inadequate physical activity, and increasing family responsibilities have significantly affected women's health, particularly during the age group of 35–45 years. During this stage of life, women frequently experience obesity, musculoskeletal discomfort, hormonal imbalance, hypertension, fatigue, reduced flexibility, and psychological stress, all of which adversely influence their quality of life. Yoga, an ancient Indian system of holistic health, has emerged as an effective, safe, and economical intervention for promoting physical fitness and psychological well-being. Through the integrated practice of asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques, yoga enhances physiological functioning while improving emotional balance and overall wellness. The present study aimed to examine the effect of a structured yoga practice programme on the physical health and well-being of women aged 35–45 years. An experimental pre-test and post-test research design was adopted for the investigation. Fifteen women were selected using the simple random sampling technique and participated in a structured 30-day yoga intervention programme comprising selected yogic postures, breathing exercises, relaxation practices, and meditation sessions. Data were collected using standardized physical fitness measurements and a researcher-developed health assessment schedule before and after the intervention. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the paired sample t-test to determine the statistical significance of differences between pre-test and post-test scores. The findings revealed substantial improvements in flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, body mass index, blood pressure regulation, and perceived physical well-being following the yoga intervention. The calculated t-value (9.39) exceeded the critical table value (2.76), indicating a statistically significant improvement in women's physical health after participation in the yoga programme. The study concludes that regular yoga practice serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving women's physical fitness, reducing lifestyle-related health risks, enhancing emotional stability, and promoting holistic well-being. The findings support the integration of yoga into community health programmes, workplace wellness initiatives, and women's preventive healthcare strategies.