Exercise is a key component when it comes to healthy aging. One form of exercise that has become more popular among older adults is yoga. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can benefit both your physical and mental health.
Here are some of the health benefits it may offer you:
Low impact: As mentioned, yoga is a low-impact exercise. This is beneficial to older adults, as it offers range of motion without putting too much strain on your body. Finding a physical exercise can be difficult for older adults with limitations. Yoga can be a great solution people with joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma and more!
Improve balance: Yoga is a great activity for improving strength and balance. This type of exercise is meant to create a sense of body awareness, which can help prevent falls. Since falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, this can be a huge benefit.
Sharpen your mind: This exercise routine puts a strong focus on concentration by encouraging you to clear your mind and calm your senses. By removing all of the outside noise from your head, you can learn to focus and help your mind perform better.
Keep off excess weight: It is always important to maintain a healthy weight no matter what age you are. This is done with proper diet and physical exercise. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine is a great way to shed and keep off excess weight, which can help improve your overall heath.
Relieve anxiety and depression: Yoga has been known to also help with anxiety and depression. Yoga can also help lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help with symptoms that come from anxiety. It is also a way of relaxing, exercising, meditation and socialization, which can help fight depression.
As you can see, yoga offers benefits through mind and body for people of all ages. Before you start a new exercise routine, it is important to consult your doctor. If you are an older adult, you may want to look for beginners classes. Some studios even offer classes tailored to older adults. Remember to never push yourself further than your body can handle.