As we get older, the idea of keeping fit remains important. However, our level of physical mobility may decrease, as we begin to see changes in our bodies. Yoga is a great way to get moving, keeping your muscles flexible whilst also, improving overall balance and strength. In this article, we will be looking at all the benefits that come with implementing yoga in your daily routine, as a senior.

Reducing Daily Stresses

Now, it’s no secret that yoga is an extremely relaxing pastime and as we get older, destressing after a long day becomes more and more important. By incorporating yoga into your daily routine, you offer your body and mind a relaxing way to let go of any tension you’re holding on to. Focusing on your shoulders and upper back, yoga helps to stretch out all of your muscles, leaving them feeling supple and flexible after. Once we’ve reached a certain age, hypertension can be a real concern, but yoga can help negate this and may also lead to you not needing many medications in the future. On top of this, yoga also is known to reduce anxiety, by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. 

Improving Your Sleeping Habits 

Nobody likes an unrestful night of sleep! With age, sleep continues to be of the utmost importance as it has the ability to restore energy levels, as well as heal both physical and cognitive damage. For most people, the recommended amount of sleep is between 7.5-9 hours every single night. This ensures that both the brain and body are working to the best of their ability. Without this all-important rest, we may find ourselves lacking motivation, having no energy, and even being more susceptible to depression or anxiety. Due to the nature of yoga being so relaxing, it can be great for anyone looking to wind down before going to bed at night. 

Preventing Aches and Pains 

After a time, we may start to notice aches and pains in our bodies from doing movements.  Naturally, our muscles get smaller over time and lose some of their strength, meaning that we may not have the same amount of flexibility we once had. Many people, as part of their daily routine, implement new things to help them prevent this from happening, such as drinking liquid collagen which has been reported to help repair muscles quicker, or completing a series of morning stretches to ensure they stay flexible. At the top of their list, should also be attending a local yoga class or even rolling out their mat at home. Yoga keeps the muscles supple, whilst also enhancing balance, mobility, and overall strength. 

What Are The Best Types of Slow Yoga for?

Whilst yoga is a great way to get moving, it’s important to understand the different types, as classes and routines can typically range in difficulty depending on how experienced you are. For women and men over 40, we would recommend trying out Hatha Yoga. Whilst this is not a specific style, and more of a generic term in the yoga community which encompasses many different types of yoga, these routines typically focus on physical posture. If you attend a Hatha class, you will find that a lot of the poses are relaxed and slow-paced, with a series of both sitting and standing moves. Expect a lot of stretching and breathing, ideal if you are looking for a stress-free and less intense form of exercise.

The other style of yoga we would recommend is Iyengar yoga, which is more precise and puts an emphasis on proper form. To complete routines such as these, try using a yoga block or a strap, to fully benefit from the poses and to correct your alignment. As most yoga accessories allow for modification, this style is perfect for anyone who suffers from random aches and pains or a diagnosed movement condition such as arthritis.