Senior Yoga
There are a variety of senior yoga students depending on how active they are.
Some seniors are very active, others cannot easily stand up and sit down, and some need to sit in a chair.
On the other side of things, many older people have more free time and wish to increase their blood circulation, range of motion, and stay in shape. Women are advised by their physicians to exercise to help with bone density.
Exercise is also advised for heart health and to maintain blood pressure levels.
Fortunately, there are forms of yoga that help one stay active yet take into account some of the limitations that many people have.
When we talk about Senior Yoga, we focus on yoga practices precisely planned and designed for senior students.
Senior yoga classes can include restorative yoga, gentle yoga, and chair sessions. Breathing, relaxation, gentle stretching, and body strengthening are part of the classes but done much less vigorously than ashtanga or other types of classes.
Of course, in any yoga class, one can modify the movements and do them in accord with one’s own circumstance.
However, it is essential not to spend the days only in sedentary living, but to continue some physical activity routine unless your doctor advises otherwise. Not only is this important physically, but mentally, it is very encouraging and lifting to the spirit, which will help you to be able to do some physical movements that might have seemed impossible.
What To Expect From a Senior Yoga Class
If you are joining a yoga class that’s mainly for seniors, expect a slower-paced session. You won’t be jumping straight into a 90-min power yoga class.
Starting up a new practice may come quickly to you if you’ve been fairly physically active through your life, but if you’re out of shape, don’t go straight for a walk-in class.
New practitioners should also remember that they can opt to sit in the resting child’s pose or take a seated meditation during more challenging postures.
The Benefits of Senior Yoga
Are you considering starting a yoga routine post-50? Check out some of the benefits Senior Yoga can bring to your life:
You can get the benefits of movement. Exercise is vital for healthy aging. However, high-intensity cardio or strength training can also put a strain on the body. Yoga, on the other hand, can be an excellent low-impact exercise option that’s easier on the body than activities like running or weight-lifting.
Easy integration into daily routines. Yoga helps people integrate an exercise program into their routine without some of the downfalls that you can quickly come across in different training systems.
It can help you increase your flexibility. The gentle stretching of yoga asanas can go a long way in helping you develop greater flexibility, which can ensure that you maintain a good range of motion as you get older.
Senior yoga can help relieve menopausal discomfort. Specific yoga postures can also help ease the hormonal fluctuations of menopause. Some asanas like The Bridge, Seated Forward Bend, and Plow can help you deal with a wide range of menopausal and overall hormonal symptoms, from hot flashes to anxiety to painful menstruation.
Promotes good bone health. Gentle yoga practice is not only safe for those with osteoporosis, but it can also be effective in preventing and even slowing bone density loss. Whether you’re looking to prevent osteoporosis or to relieve pain from an existing bone condition or fracture, gentle twisting poses and stretches can be beneficial.
It helps you keep your mind sharp. Taking quiet time out for yourself through a weekly or daily yoga practice can help relieve stress and keep you centered and energized.
Is Senior Yoga Good for Everyone?
Yoga is not only safe for older practitioners but also useful in keeping the mind and body in good health.
Movement and exercise are crucial for healthy aging. Yoga is an excellent way to commit to this unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you’re thinking about starting a yoga practice, make sure to find a class and instructor who can meet your needs.
Senior Yoga at Long Beach School of Yoga
At Long Beach School of Yoga, we don’t only believe in the physical and mental benefits of Yoga for Seniors. Still, we also consider Senior Yoga classes a social setting where friendships can be built, and new interactions broadened.
We discuss these different populations during our training course, and Ram shares his experience teaching senior yoga and qigong.
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 33 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 60
- Assessments Yes