How Yoga Can Benefit Older Adults?

Yoga is not just for the young. According to one study, 18.4% of the 15.8 million yoga practitioners in America are over the age of 55. Exactly why do older grownups like yoga?

 One, it is low impact making it easy on the joints. Many other types of exercises, such as cardio, hurt arthritic joints such as shoulders, knees, ankles and hips.

Tip! Be sure to wear shoes that fit to aid you in your fitness routine. Ill-fitting shoes will cause multiple problems including blisters, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, and an number of other issues.

Two, it can diminish the effects of many medical conditions, like chronic back pain, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis, along with strengthening heart health and quality of sleep-- all issues that seem to effect seniors more so than other younger age populations.

Three, it enhances joint flexibility. As we age, our joints begin to stiffen. By doing a series of different yoga poses two to three times per week, you can actually get back some of joint range of motion you lost over time.

Four, yoga improves balance. As falls are a major cause of broken bones among seniors, regaining your balance can save you a trip to the emergency room and follow-up pain and care afterwards.

Tip! Always have a backup plan for your workouts. If you were planning on doing an hour of cardio and strength training, but then can't get to the gym on time, you'll have an alternative workout.

Five, it keeps the mind sharp. Yoga not only is a physical type of exercise for the body, but also exercise for the mind. Most types of yoga involves meditation which can keep your thinking clear.

Tip! If someone is looking for a new way to improve their fitness, taking a martial arts class can be exciting, interesting, challenging, and also fun. The extra activity and exercises that are associated with the martial arts class are new to the body and will serve to improve fitness levels.

Which Yoga Class Is Right for You?

If you are just starting yoga, be sure to get in a class geared to your level-- beginner or Level One. Even after learning how to do yoga, be sure your class is geared toward seniors.

With over 100 types of yoga at last count, it can be hard to choose a type that will be right for you. Ashtanga, iyengar, hatha and vinyasa are all good types to choose at the beginner level.

One type you will probably want to avoid as a senior is Bikram Yoga. It is done in hot/humid environment with a room temperature of 105 degrees F and 40% humidity.

Tip! A great tip to get fit is to stay active when you get home from work. A lot of people come home from work feeling tired, and make excuses to be lazy.

To find a beginner yoga class in your area, look no further than adult education programs, YMCA/YWCAs, libraries, gyms and other community organizations. If you belong to a health club, most offer yoga classes.

Regardless of the status of your health, yoga will most likely be able to help you. The key is finding the right class so try out a few different types of yoga to see which one is right for you. Five-thousand years of yoga teachings can't be all wrong.

If you are just starting yoga, be sure to get in a class geared to your level-- beginner or Level One. Even after learning how to do yoga, be sure your class is geared toward seniors. To find a beginner yoga class in your area, look no further than adult education programs, YMCA/YWCAs, libraries, gyms and other community organizations. If you belong to a health club, most offer yoga classes. The key is finding the right class so try out a few different types of yoga to see which one is right for you.