“Why not try some gentle exercise, like yoga or tai chi?” Happily, this is a conversation that’s starting to occur more frequently between doctors and patients in GP practices throughout the UK. This is perhaps unsurprising given the wealth of scientific research regularly published in highly regarded journals by eminent scientists – research that demonstrates the numerous benefits of mind-body classes, from reducing high blood pressure to managing diabetes and heart disease.

But is this research being translated by fitness industry training providers for use by instructors in a class format? Is it possible to move from the theoretical to the practical realm, and is it appropriate to do so?

Cathy Spencer-Browning, vice president of programming and training at group exercise specialist MOSSA, clearly believes so: MOSSA has produced member marketing campaigns for clubs that feature research findings from the Mayo Clinic. In addition, she explains: “It’s vitally important that clubs and instructors communicate the benefits of mind-body classes. Often instructors are delivering the exercises and movements, but not coaching the benefits. In our system, in addition to coaching execution, we focus on coaching the ‘why’ so the participant understands the far-reaching benefits of the movements.”

But what exactly is the ‘why’ for the various disciplines, and do these influence the way a class is delivered? We take a look at just a few of the many pieces of research into mind-body techniques, and ask if and how these might be applied in a class setting.