If you want to try yoga, now is the right time to do so. The practice of yoga has been scientifically proven to be effective in keeping the body and mind healthy and happy. Here are only some of its benefits:
How to Start
How does one begin the practice of yoga? There are many free tutorials on the internet. For first-timers, however, it is best to have a professional teach and monitor your movements. Yoga, just like other exercises, can cause injuries if done incorrectly. A professional can show you how to properly do the poses.
You can easily find yoga classes in any major city. You may also go to a yoga meditation retreat to fully dive into the world of yoga. Once you have the experience and know how to lessen the risk of injury, you can try different poses on your own at the comforts of your home.
Improves Flexibility
The practice of yoga involves contorting into different poses that stretch different areas of the body. These movements, although they may look easy, can significantly improve a person’s flexibility.
As you grow older, you may find that your body is no longer as nimble as it used to be. Bending over backward may be more difficult. Sitting on the floor may be downright impossible. Yoga will help you gain back the flexibility that your body has lost over the years.
Builds Strength
Yoga is also known to build strength. The poses might look easy, but maintaining it will require you to carry your weight in ways that you may not have done before. You will have to stand on one foot or support your torso using your arms. These poses are not easy, especially if you are a beginner. You will find yourself breaking a sweat.
Helps Balance
Keeping yourself upright while doing the tree pose or the downward-facing dog targets your balance. You will find that repeated and continuous practice of yoga will help you feel more centered. This will be most helpful among older adults who are at risk of falling. Because yoga helps with balance, they are less likely to see a general practitioner or being rushed to the emergency room due to injuries. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, even seniors.
De-Stresses
Stress is a risk factor for many illnesses. It has a direct effect on your body’s regular functions; causing your heart rate to increase, making you breathe faster, upsetting your digestive system, adding unnecessary tension to your muscular system, etc. As a result, you are more likely to develop obesity, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain. It is also detrimental to your mental health.
Yoga fights stress by promoting relaxation. As part of the practice of yoga, you have to keep your breathing steady and slow. This, alone, makes your body release any pressure. If you couple it with meditation (mindfulness), you will be able to manage stress on your day-to-day.
Overall, through yoga, you will have an improved quality of life. Anyone, including older adults, can try and experience the many benefits of the ancient practice. However, make your safety your priority. Start with the basics and then increase the intensity as you go along to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
