Yoga is often ideal for seniors as it is a form of exercise that can be adapted to an individual’s needs and abilities. There are several gentle forms of yoga which can rejuvenate the whole body.
The benefits of yoga are plentiful. Yoga can help make the body more fit and toned, can promote relaxation, and can even help prevent and control many health and emotional problems that can occur with age. Yoga breathing increases the body’s circulation, can help prevent respiratory ailments, and cleanse the air passages. There are some yoga poses, or asanas, which can target specific problems like those relating to blood pressure and the nervous system as well as heart ailments. Yoga also promotes a positive approach to life.
It’s important for seniors, or anyone just beginning yoga, to listen to their body and pay attention to their limits. If you feel pain at any time, you should lessen the pose or come out of it altogether. Some good yoga poses for seniors include the easy pose (Sukhasana), cat pose (Bidalasana), dog pose (Adho Mukha Shvanasana), double leg raises, half spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), locust pose (Salabhasana), wind relieving pose (Pavanamuktasana) and the corpse pose (Savasana). As for breathing techniques, Kapalabhati is often a good one for seniors.
Yoga is an excellent way to keep the mind and body healthy and strong at any age.
Read More about Yoga for the elderly.