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Yoga at Any Age: How Seniors Can Benefit
Staying in shape is important at any age, but for seniors, it can be a bit trickier. Finding the right workout that will balance fitness with safety can be difficult, and in some cases, it can be hindered by a medical or mobility issue. It can also be hard to stay motivated when you have health concerns that make working out painful or slow.
However, there are ways you can keep up a healthy daily workout routine without putting your body at risk. Many seniors have found that yoga is one of the best ways to stay fit, in part because it can be altered to fit the needs of just about anyone and done just about anywhere. Incorporating stretches and poses that get your heart rate up and are easy on the joints, yoga can be combined with meditation so that your mental health gets a workout as well.
Keep reading for some great tips on how you can benefit from yoga at any age.
Set Up a Workout Space at Home
Where you work out is just as important as how you work out. When you have a dedicated space to exercise in, you’re more likely to stay motivated to do it every day, and making sure it’s a spot that is well away from the noise in your home is imperative when you’re doing yoga/meditating. Choose an area that will give you enough room to spread out a bit, preferably one that gives you a nice view so you can relax. Light a candle, make a comfy place to sit on your mat, and play soft music to get your mind settled. It’s that simple!
Look for Ways to Change It Up
Yoga is so widely practised in part because it can be altered for many different types of people. Whether you’re a senior who has mobility issues or an individual who is living with a disability, there are many ways you can practice yoga that won’t be detrimental to your health or well-being. You might use a chair for balance or look for a yoga class that is offered in the water.
Besides being great for those who need to alter their workout for their needs, yoga is also good for people who get bored with their routine. There are many different poses you can try, and because all you need is your body and a mat, you can go outside or change rooms if you desire.
Reduce Stress
Stress is often a huge detriment to seniors; it can cause physical health issues and lead to depression and other serious mental health problems. When combined with meditation, yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and can help you learn to cope with those feelings when they come. Meditation is often associated with mindfulness, meaning you can focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future.
Work on Your Balance
One of the biggest safety issues for seniors is the risk of a fall; as we get older, it gets harder and harder to keep our balance, and sometimes medical issues can contribute to this problem. Practising yoga is a great way to work on your balance and stability as well as your core strength, which can help prevent falls and other injuries.
Practising yoga may seem daunting at first if you’ve never tried it, but there are many tutorials online that can help you get started. Begin with a good plan and take it slowly; a yoga pose should never be painful. With a little preparation, you can practice yoga with the best of them.
Keeping your mind, body and soul balanced is key.
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