What Is Yoga Good for?
Yoga is good for your body because it is a system of physical, breathing and meditation exercises practiced to promote control of the body and mind.
According to a Yoga in America study conducted in 2016, the number of yoga participants has more than doubled to 36.7 million in the last decade due to the numerous health benefits of yoga.
While those who do yoga are often believed to be young and flexible, research has shown that 17% of people who practice it are in their 50s and 21% are 60 years and above.
The growing number of older yoga participants point to the fact that yoga may enhance aging, considering its numerous benefits.
Benefits of Yoga for Seniors
Senior yoga benefits older people in much the same way as the general population. It strengthens bones, reduces stress, improves sleeping, enhances balance, reduces the risk of depression, and alleviates aches and pains.
Strengthening of Bones
Yoga makes bones stronger and reduces the risk of osteoporosis which often embrittles and weakens bones. Osteoporosis usually occurs when the creation of new bone can’t match the decrease of bone mass and density caused by aging.
Reduction of Stress
Yoga reduces stress and gives you an opportunity to relieve tension that has built up in your body, such as in your shoulders and upper back. It also relieves stress which causes hypertension by reducing the number of daily medications.
Improvement of Sleeping Habits
Good sleep often eludes older people. However, yoga improves your sleeping habits. It makes you sleep longer and more soundly because of its relaxing nature.
Enhancement of Balance
Yoga enhances balance. This is made possible by the slow, measured movements of yoga poses which can prevent falls known to be the leading cause of injury among seniors. Yoga also enhances mobility so seniors can move around safely.
Reduction of the Risk of Depression
Yoga lowers the risk of depression since it serves as a mood-booster. It combines movement, breathing and meditation, all in a bid to enhance your wellbeing. Because it is usually done in the company of others, yoga helps seniors stay socially active.
Alleviation of Aches and Pains
Yoga alleviates aches and pains usually associated with aging. It is especially helpful for people suffering from osteoarthritis because it teaches you how to breathe and relax irrespective of the chronic nature of the pain you may be experiencing.
Although there are many types of yoga, all yoga sessions are aimed at stretching and flexing various muscle groups in order to keep you hale and hearty.
For the past seven years, one of America’s finest yoga studios, PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, has been at the forefront of senior yoga, serving the senior population of Alexandria, Virginia and the wider DMV metro area. It conducts over 30 yoga classes on a weekly basis for both old and new clients, with opening check-ins providing a place to connect with fellow classmates and build a community.
Interested in senior yoga? Join PIES senior yoga classes today and enjoy the best of Alexandria yoga for seniors.