For many generations, yoga has existed to help exercise the mind, body, and soul. A holistic way to develop physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, yoga has existed in ancient India not only to improve flexibility and fitness but also to develop clear thinking and a calm demeanor. Over the years, yoga has also evolved with a wide range of styles and exercises targeting various age groups from young children to the elderly.

For the past 7 years, PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in the West End of Alexandria, Virginia has been serving senior clients ever since it offered its signature class called My Body Don’t Bend the Way. Over the years, the Alexandria-based yoga studio which also caters to clients in the Del Ray, VA area has developed over 30 classes accessible to almost everyone especially seniors and the elderly. There is a wide range of standing, sitting, lying down and chair yoga asanas for older clients to choose from.

PIES Fitness Yoga instructors adapt easily to senior clients by placing more emphasis on proper breathing and awareness of movement while respecting the limitations of the body, especially for older adults. During the Senior Yoga classes, instructors observe and adjust the pace to ensure everyone remains safe and comfortable while being gently guided to increase mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance.

Older clients are often hesitant to try out Senior Yoga classes because they don’t know where to start and how to progress in their exercises. Some clients would often share their apprehension in taking senior yoga classes because they fear that they may get hurt or no longer be able to keep up with the pace and difficulty of the positions. At our Alexandria studio, PIES Fitness Yoga assures senior yoga clients that their safety and well-being are always the priority. The overall benefits of yoga to the body also outweigh whatever risk there is that can also happen when a person, for example, does daily household chores.

8 Benefits of Yoga for Seniors and the Elderly

1.     Senior Yoga improves balance and stability

Yoga is a gentle exercise that effectively promotes balance and stability. Yoga provides you with a better sense and coordination of your body movements. With senior yoga, you can also develop good balance techniques and also reduce the risks of falling which is among the most common kind of fatal and non-fatal injuries of adults over 65 years old in the United States.

2.     Senior Yoga improves flexibility and joint health

Stiff joints and muscles are common among the elderly. Senior Yoga is a gentle and effective way to increase flexibility and introduce a wide range of motion. The movements also simultaneously loosen and strengthen muscles. Seniors with increased flexibility also recover quickly from other injuries or pain.

3.     Senior Yoga improves breathing and respiration

Seniors often experience breathing difficulties as they get older. Respiratory systems slow down causing negative effects to the aging body. Practicing yoga helps seniors become more mindful of their breathing. It also teaches specific breathing techniques that increase the flow of oxygen.

4.     Senior Yoga can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health

Introducing movements through senior yoga is the key to maintaining good blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. Several yoga positions help in opening up the circulatory system and get the blood flowing freely again. Recent studies have also shown that yoga reduces oxidative stress in the elderly resulting in lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.

5.     Senior Yoga helps with digestion

Some yoga asanas or positions can help you care for the health of your colon and prevent future issues from appearing. Senior yoga poses also aid in digestion and improve physical health related to irritable bowel and colon health. It can even help address bloating and other stomach problems.

6.     Senior Yoga strengthens the bones and aids good posture

Gentle yoga poses involving weight-bearing poses can help build strength, ease pain, and encourage good posture. Aside from improving posture, yoga is also a useful addition to your osteoporosis treatment plan. It can help to ease symptoms and lower your risk of complications. It has also helped increase bone density after menopause in some yoga practitioners.

7.     Senior Yoga reduces anxiety and encourages mindfulness

Through meditation and mindful breathing, senior yoga encourages you to focus on the present and find a sense of peace. Research has recently demonstrated that yoga positions aids in lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

8.     Senior Yoga promotes better sleep

Yoga can help alleviate sleep disturbances, which are common complaints among seniors. Many seniors struggle with insomnia, which can exacerbate other health conditions. Encouraging seniors to do yoga could help them fall asleep more quickly and improve their quality of sleep through the night.

Conclusion

The yoga asanas often suggested for an elderly person may be the same as those for a younger individual. The difference lies in the effort and time spent in a posture, and the flexibility involved. However, if you have high endurance levels, you will be able to perform the cardiovascular movements and abdominal exercises to satisfaction. At Alexandria, Virginia’s PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, we’ll only make sure that all your needs are met. Come and visit us!  Register for one of our classes!  Book a class and check out our rates! We provide classes for clients residing in Alexandria, Virginia, and those who live close to Del Ray, VA, Old Town Alexandria, and Mount Vernon. Aside from Senior Yoga, we also offer over 80 yoga and fitness classes for all ages.