Yoga for Seniors

A lot of seniors fifty-five and older are practising yoga as part of their daily routine to stay active. Traditional exercises such as running or aerobics put a lot of pressure and impact on sensitive joints and muscles, whereas yoga is low impact. Yoga is adaptable to a diverse range of physical abilities and needs. You don’t need to be able to fold yourself into a pretzel to start yoga; those who are less flexible can enjoy a yoga practice just as much and reap the benefits.

If you are not comfortable starting your yoga fitness journey in a class — as it can be intimidating — there are a variety of videos and apps online that will guide you through yoga poses for beginners.

Check your local senior centres, retirement communities and health clubs for yoga classes. Most yoga studios hold classes for seniors if you are more comfortable being in a class with similar abilities. However, it can be beneficial to be surrounded by a range of abilities as you can ask for help or advice on how they became comfortable with yoga. Yoga is meant to be an activity with no judgment.

Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga for seniors are the same as the younger population. Not only is yoga great for your body, but yoga has been known to have mental wellness benefits as well. Here are some benefits yoga can have for you:

• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Balance improvement
• Weight reduction
• Cardio and circulatory health
• Improved flexibility
• Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
• Helps you sleep deeper
• Manage depression and anxiety

Yoga can refresh your body, mind and spirit. If you are looking for new activity and a way to meet new people, call your local yoga studio and see what they have to offer. You never know, perhaps the pretzel pose is in your near future.