Fitness and Clarity at Any Age: Amazing Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

Are you a senior who wants to improve your physical fitness? Do you not feel confident or fit enough for high-impact exercises or heavy weights?

Yoga is one of the best options for seniors that want to be healthy and fit without the risk of serious injury. Many people write off yoga as a fitness activity, but it builds strength and burns calories with less risk than many other kinds of exercises.

There are many types of yoga for seniors to choose from, and we want to help you decide if yoga is right for you. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of yoga for seniors.

1. There’s an Option for Every Body 

Some people worry that they can’t do yoga because they aren’t as able-bodied as they once were. As we age, we develop aches, pains, and weak spots that may impact our ability to do exercises.

Yoga is good for any type of body regardless of your ability. Whether you need simple moves as a starting point or you stay there for the duration of your yoga journey, there’s no judgment here.

There’s also the option of chair yoga for seniors. These are great for people with mobility issues or people who need more stability.

2. It Increases Mobility

As we mentioned, many seniors experience a loss of certain physical abilities as they age. These can include mobility and flexibility.

Yoga is a slow practice (unless you’re aiming for quicker vinyasa practices or power yoga) that aims to increase your flexibility and mobility over time. You’ll be better able to reach your toes during a forward fold, loosen your hamstrings, and even stretch your back.

You may find yourself moving more easily after a commitment to yoga.

3. It Increases Mindfulness

Yoga is a mindful activity. One of the most important parts of yoga is your breath control. Each movement flows with your inhales and exhales to create a practice that utilizes your entire body.

When you’re riddled with worries, or when you have trouble focusing or sleeping, the mindfulness and breath practice that comes with yoga is sure to improve your life.

4. It Builds Strength

Those who don’t do yoga don’t know how well it can build strength. It doesn’t compare to heavy weightlifting, but your functional strength will improve.

Yoga has a heavy focus on the core. The core keeps you stable and balanced. You don’t have to want a six-pack to have an interest in core strength!

Even the common poses, such as downward-facing dog, have strength-building qualities. You’ll build lean muscle in your arms and legs in this “rest” pose.

5. You Can Do It at Home 

While certain Medicare Advantage plans (see MedicareWire for details) cover fitness therapy or activities, you may be more comfortable working in the comfort of your own bedroom.

Yoga only takes the space of a yoga mat and a quiet room (and a chair if you’re using one). You can do it at home, at the park, in a hotel, or wherever else you feel like getting your workout in.

Yoga for Seniors: Is It for You?

We love the idea of yoga for seniors who want to get fit. It’s a great workout that scales with you and the slow pace can suit anyone.

Whether you want to advance to power yoga or you’re happy with slow and cozy flows, there’s a yoga practice for you.

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