Growing older brings with it new physical
challenges. Muscles and joints don’t loosen up as easily as they
used to, and we tend to have a hard time even standing up
straight. While some exercise regimens are just too much for
many of us, Yoga for seniors is a great way to limber up and
reclaim some of that youthful energy that you might have thought
you’d lost.
Yoga for Seniors has benefits that you can
often feel immediately. Stretching and breathing deeply help
move oxygen through your bloodstream, easing that tension and
relaxing your body. Along with a relaxed body comes a relaxed
mind, which we all know is great for the heart!
While some people think about Yoga as
something complicated and strenuous, there’s no reason it has to
be. Start off simple by just stretching your arms and legs
before you get out of bed in a natural, easy way. Turn your feet
in circles at the ankle before you sit up, and lift your arms
over your head and try to touch the ceiling with your
fingertips. Work your hands by making fists and spreading the
fingers apart while rotating your wrists. All the while make
sure you’re taking plenty of deep breaths.
This helps your circulation, and does it at
a time of day when you need it the most. During sleep your
circulation slows right down, and this is why mornings can be so
difficult for many of us. Spending a minute stretching leisurely
and breathing deeply can change your whole day, making it much
easier to get going in the morning.
Yoga for Seniors improves many of the
body’s systems that you care about the most. Your blood pressure
is normalized, some balance in your nervous system is gained,
and of course it’s great for your heart. This, however, is only
the beginning.
Let’s face it: sometimes your memory feels
like it’s going on you. This is where the breathing techniques
you learn in Yoga for seniors come in. Don’t laugh: you will be
surprised at how clear your head feels after a session. Whether
this is because more oxygen this is because is getting to your
brain or if it’s because controlled breathing helps you calm
down and focus, you’ll notice a difference after just one
session. You’ll feel not just clear-headed, but calm, relaxed,
and awake. If you’ve been finding yourself going through your
days in a fog, this might be the fix you’re looking for!
If you’ve been doing your basic stretches
in the morning and want to experience more of the benefits this
kind of thing can provide, check for a local “Yoga for Seniors”
class in your area. They’re becoming very popular, and most
places have something available. While there’s a lot of language
associated with Yoga that doesn’t always seem like it makes
sense, don’t worry: most instructors will give you the simple
names for the positions that help it all make sense. These days
the sessions focus on things like “double leg raises” and “half
spinal twists”, without asking you to do things you aren’t
comfortable with.
So if you’re ready to start feeling better,
check for a Yoga for Seniors session in your area. You’ll be
glad you did!
