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Yoga
for Seniors – Using Yoga to Reverse Aging
By Barry Craft
Yoga
has become quite a popular exercise for people of all ages, but
especially for the seniors. Yoga exercise for elderly people can
help reverse the aging process and provide a wide range of positive
benefits even if practiced on a moderate basis. There are many styles
of yoga ranging in degree of difficulty. However, the basic moves
and positions can be utilized by any age group. It is all about
how you approach your exercise program that makes the difference.
Since everyone is unique, it is always advisable to see your doctor
before beginning any type of exercise program.
The
Benefits of Yoga Yoga can provide positive health benefits for anyone
but can be especially helpful for those more mature adults. The
three main areas of development would be balance, stretching, and
strength. Balancing exercises strengthen leg muscles and help to
prevent falling. Every year in the U.S. there are tens of thousands
of patients admitted for broken hips and usually some type of fall
is the reason for the bone fractures. Balancing exercises can also
help you avoid disabilities that may result from falling.
Beginning
Yoga Exercises
Stretching exercises can increase your range of motion and allow
you to do more of the things you need and want to do. Stretching
by itself is not designed to enhance strength or endurance, however
keeping one’s muscles more flexible can also reduce strains and
may improve circulation as well. Flexibility exercises, such as
stretching, might help keep your body and joints limbered up, which
could help prevent injuries and falling. It sometimes can speed
up a recovery from an injury. Exercises for strength help build
muscle as well as increasing your metabolic rate. This stabilizes
blood sugar which and helps you maintain a healthier weight. By
having stronger muscles, you will be less likely to need frequent
assistance in doing your normal routines.
The
Mental Benefits of Yoga
Besides the physical attributes of yoga, there are several mental
benefits seniors can enjoy. By definition, yoga means union; therefore
it is no surprise that one of the main underlying concepts is to
achieve greater peace and harmony by better uniting the body and
spirit. Perspectives on life and ourselves tend to change as we
advance in age. The spiritual side of the world receives more importance
as we grow older - this forms an excellent foundation for elderly
people to start practicing yoga.
Proper
Warm-ups for Seniors
It is recommended for seniors to begin their yoga exercise with
slow, controlled motions. This phase can last for several weeks
or longer depending on the individual. It is especially important
in the earlier stages to avoid muscle sprains and strains. That
will make the experience more enjoyable and safer while reducing
the chances for injury. Even while using this slow gradual approach,
many retirees can still benefit from improved circulation, range
of motion and vitality.
Improve
Your Circulation
Another benefit of yoga that most seniors can experience is improved
circulation. This helps to better utilize the oxygen in their blood
vessels resulting in improved memory and concentration. Many elderly
people experience losses in these areas as the age increases and
yoga can help reduce or reverse some of these effects. Seniors have
many options for keeping fit through various forms of light exercise.
One of the most important and often overlooked keys to staying healthy
is proper breathing. That happens to be one of the foundations of
yoga. Air feeds our bodies just as much as food and water does.
Slow, deep breathing through the nose helps to cleanse the body
on many different levels.
Just
Get Started
Contrary to popular belief, yoga does not require years of practice
to attain many positive results. In fact many elderly people really
look forward to their yoga exercise sessions not only for the increased
vitality also opportunities or social contacts if done in a group
situation. The biggest key to succeeding is just get started.
For
more inspiring and useful tips about the benefits of yoga, please
visit
our web site.
