Some of the advantages of yoga in space vs conventional exercise are...
1) Less reliance on exercise equipment which can break down. At the very least yoga would be an invaluable backup if exercise equipment fails on a long term spaceflight, such as to Mars, not to mention the long term stays on a Moon or (especially) a Mars Base, where the logistics and supply chain for spare parts is clearly going to be a critical issue.
2) Lower breath rate with yoga (as opposed to the elevated rates from conventional exercise) reduces stress on environmental systems.
3) Better sleep patterns - so a more rested crew. Also helps the body and mind align with the natural circadian rhythms.
4) Rakesh Sharma recommended yoga as an aide to managing space sickness as well, so that is another area worth exploring.
5) Yoga is an effective vehicle for stress reduction - crucial for long term space flight. See best selling author Mary Roach's humorous (but true) book on Packing for Mars
6) Yoga raises situational awareness - so a more alert and rested crew is a safety enhancement.
7) Greater potential for data collection on health parameters - this could eventually be a major scientific research project with enormous health benefits back on earth.
8) Yoga improves bone density as well as muscle mass which is a problem in long term weightless environments. This would be particularly important in long flights to Mars which would require the individuals to work at full strength on arrival as there would be no room for a long term recuperation in such an alien and demanding environment. So it would improve their ability to 'hit the ground running'... so to speak. See... Yoga for better bone density
5) Yoga is an effective vehicle for stress reduction - crucial for long term space flight. See best selling author Mary Roach's humorous (but true) book on Packing for Mars
6) Yoga raises situational awareness - so a more alert and rested crew is a safety enhancement.
7) Greater potential for data collection on health parameters - this could eventually be a major scientific research project with enormous health benefits back on earth.
8) Yoga improves bone density as well as muscle mass which is a problem in long term weightless environments. This would be particularly important in long flights to Mars which would require the individuals to work at full strength on arrival as there would be no room for a long term recuperation in such an alien and demanding environment. So it would improve their ability to 'hit the ground running'... so to speak. See... Yoga for better bone density
