Here Are A Few Other Things To Keep In Mind:
Get the head below the level of the heart Inverted postures are a must for aging bodies. For example, recommend that students practice Supported Leg Up the Wall Pose at least 10 minutes a day.
Practice in a way that is appropriate and healing Never force and avoid poses that bear weight directly on the neck and head. People with kyphosis and others at risk for osteoporosis should practice weight-bearing inverted poses, such as Headstand and Shoulderstand , only under the guidance of an experienced instructor and after they build strength in upper-body strengthening poses, such as Downward and Upward Facing Dog, and Plank.
Build in modifications for challenging asanas. When teaching more difficult poses, make it crystal clear that students can repeat the basic pose that usually precedes the more challenging one, and that using props is perfectly fine.
Focus on lengthening the spine. Lengthen the spine and open the chest in all categories of poses, including forward bends, twists and backbends.
Learn to move from your hip hinge . Keep your upper body in one unit and the spine elongated. If the hamstrings are tight, its difficult to bend sideways or forward without rounding and shortening the spine. Using a wall or chair can help someone bend from the hip joint while keeping length in the spine.
Membership Spotlight
The Benefits Of Yoga For Older Women
Yoga might seem like a trendy type of exercise for young people, but it is actually a remarkably effective workout for seniors as well. In particular, yoga for women over 60 has a variety of positive benefits for mind, body and soul. Yoga for seniors can help to reduce certain chronic health symptoms, can improve balance and flexibility and can also provide a positive form of relief from stress and anxiety.
While yoga may seem new to some, it has actually been around for thousands of years. The practice of yoga originated in ancient India, and was adopted as a philosophical and spiritual practice by schools of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Yoga made its way to the western world by the middle of the nineteenth century and by the middle of the twentieth century, it had entered into the mainstream thanks to the counterculture movement of the 1960s. By the 1980s, yoga had become a recognized form of exercise in America and the industry seemed to explode in 2001.
There is a reason why yoga has survived all these years: the benefits of yoga cannot be denied. In fact, many of them have been proven by science. Here are a few of the particular perks of yoga for women over 60:
Best Peloton Strength Classes For Seniors
Apart from rides, the peloton app has several strength classes that are great for seniors too. They can be used as a single workout, or in the combination with peloton rides or other classes.
Important to note that most of the peloton strength classes require you to go on and off the floor. For some people, this may be too much. Here I will show you the list of senior-friendly workouts without going up and down off the floor.
Read Also: Pregnancy Hot Yoga
Upper / Lower Body Strength
Upper and Lower Body Strength class is a series of classes that works your shoulders, arms, back and chest muscles. If your goal is to get stronger, I recommend spend 20 minutes on segmented muscles groups rather than full body.
This way to can work on the muscles more intensely, and get better results. Having 1-2 classes per week of upper body and 1-2 classes per week of the lower body will have a much better effect on your strength, comparing to doing 2-4 full-body workouts per week.
My best recommendation is to go for 20 minutes Beginner level classes with Adrian Williams.
If you need more information about peloton strength workouts, Ive already made an in-depth list of all the best peloton strength classes for beginners, which I suggest you read.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Yoga Class
You May Like: Yoga Poses Arm Balance
Helpful Books Videos And Dvds
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of going to an organized yoga class. Fortunately, you can practice yoga by following along with books, online videos, or DVDs.
This article contains affiliate links. We are compensated with a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for sales made through the links.
Improved Joint Health And Mobility
In a study of senior women with osteoarthritis of the knee, yoga was found to significantly reduce pain after eight weeks of regular practice. In addition, the participants also reported improved sleep quality.
For seniors with stiff or painful joints and poor flexibility, yoga may be able to help improve mobility, relieve pain, strengthen muscles and prevent future injury.
Also Check: How Long Does Yoga Take To Tone
Our Instructors Are Just Like You
Doug Slack took his first yoga class at 61 in conjunction with knee replacement after years of cycling. Now, at 72 he is more flexible than when he was 20.
Mia Cutler is 55 and has been physically active her whole life. She adores her two college aged children, entertaining, cooking, her dog and cat…and red wine.
Products You Need To Get Started
All you need to get started is comfortable clothes , especially if you are attending a class where you are moving up and down a lot. Everything else is just adding to the comfort and luxury of the experience.
If you choose to attend classes at a studio, most studios will provide you with a mat and other props. If you choose to practice at home I would recommend getting a yoga mat. Make sure the mat you are buying is a yoga mat. It should be ¼ inch thick. Gaiam yoga mats are one of the more well-known brands in yoga mats.
The thicker the mat the more support for your joints, but the thicker the mat the trickier it is to balance. If you are doing balancing postures stay close to a wall or maybe use the back of a chair. Make sure you have a chair without armrests if you are doing Chair yoga.
There are a lot of props that might help you and that will make your experience more pleasant:
- Yoga blocks can help to lengthen your arms making the floor come closer to you. They can also be used to lie, sit, or stand on.
- Bolsters offer great support and if you plan on doing Yin or Restorative yoga a bolster might be needed for several of the poses. Gaiam bolsters are also of decent quality.
- Yoga belts can be used for a variety of poses and are quite often used for leg stretches.
- Blankets that are firm for sitting or lying on.
You May Like: Hot Vinyasa Yoga Calories Burned
Yoga Classes For Seniors
It’s highly advisable to begin your yoga journey by taking an in-person class so that you can get customized instruction from an experienced teacher. You need to make sure you are performing the moves correctly so that you can avoid injury and receive the greatest benefit. Plus, many older adults enjoy the social aspect of getting together regularly with other people who share their interests.
“But,” you may ask, “how can I find beginning yoga classes for seniors near me?” One option is to contact yoga studios, community centers, or health clubs in your area to see what they offer. Look for programs such as beginner or gentle yoga for seniors.
You can also try searching on the Yoga Class Near You website, which allows you to enter a location and specify that you’re seeking seniors yoga classes.
Before You Start Yoga For Seniors
One of the great things about yoga is that it is so adaptable to different populations with diverse physical abilities and needs. Though the popular image of yoga may be a young person twisted up like a pretzel with apparent ease, those who are older and less flexible can enjoy a yoga practice just as muchand may benefit from it even more.
Recommended Reading: Hatha Yoga Calories Burned
Getting Started With Yoga In Old Age
You can start your yoga for seniors practice at home or by attending classes. Both can work out really well. Look at the list above and find a style that you think suits you. If youre not sure, try some different styles. Of course, if you have any ailments or illnesses talk with your healthcare professional first.
If you want to attend classes I recommend talking with the studio or teacher first. Tell them what it is you expect and check to see if theres a match. Maybe ask if you can try out a class, many studios offer this for new students.
You can start your at-home practice in many ways. If yoga is new to you I would recommend maybe finding a teacher that teaches online, to give you a basic understanding of the poses. The nice thing about online teaching is that you can get feedback on your form in the different poses. You can also find many great classes on YouTube. Here is one such video to get you started:
If you chose a style before, you can search by style on YouTube and find a teacher you like. If you would rather do the poses yourself, this is also an option. Be mindful, stay within your comfort zone, and practice with patience and respect for your body.
Yoga For Seniors Anytime Anywhere
The best part about yoga for women over 60 is that you dont need a gym to do it. You can do yoga at home, on vacation, inside or outside, day or night. All you need is a yoga mat and any props that help you balance, such as blocks or even a sturdy chair. But it does help to have access to emergency help should you need it. Medical Guardians Mobile Guardian is a convenient and portable way to ensure that you always are in contact with someone who can send help should you need it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Medical Guardian is a leading provider of innovative medical alert systems that empower people to live a life without limits.
Recommended Reading: State Farm Yoga Teacher Insurance
Gentle Yoga Exercise Videos For Seniors
The best place to begin is our subscriber-only Back to Health Senior 30-Day Yoga Challenge, which begins with very gentle, short, beginner yoga classes and progresses to ones that are slightly more challenging and rewarding. If you aren’t able to afford a sustaining membership at this time, apply for one of our bursaries.
Duration: 30 days, 1 class/dayInstructors: David Procyshyn, Satiya Channer, Tianne Allen
This 30-day yoga challenge designed for seniors offers you a daily practice that alternates between yoga classes and guided meditations. It is designed to help you safely improve your mobility, strength and balance, while teaching you how to relax and feel less stress and anxiety. Classes are ideal for 55+.
If you would prefer to try a few classes first, here is a sample of our free classes that are great for 55+:
Duration: 6 minsInstructor: David Procyshyn
This gentle introduction to yoga helps you understand how to move and stretch in a way that is safe and most beneficial to you and your body. David teaches you a few basic principles of yoga that you can carry with you into any class.
Duration: 27 minsInstructor: David Procyshyn
Duration: 16 minsInstructor: David Procyshyn
Duration: 19 minsInstructor: David Procyshyn
This is a gentle yoga classes that teaches you how to do yoga safely, to get the most benefit and avoid injury. David teaches you how to sit, stretch and adapt your poses and movement using yoga props, including blankets, blocks and a chair .
Beginner Yoga Pose #: Mountain Pose
Hold the pose for 5 breaths
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Roll your shoulders up, back, and down.
Check your posture. Your head should be up, and your chin should be parallel to the floor. Ears should be over your shoulders. Shoulders should be over your hips. Knees and toes should be pointing forward.
Stand tall, feeling your feet rooted to the floor. Breathe deeply for five breaths.
Make it easier: Do the pose sitting tall in a chair with good posture. Want more tips? Check out our guide to mountain pose for beginners.
Read Also: Hanging A Yoga Trapeze
Final Thoughts On Yoga Poses For Seniors
Yoga provides many health benefits for older adults and seniors, especially for those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. This is because yoga has the potential to reduce joint pain and increase flexibility and strength to prevent falls. Its also been shown to improve concentration, blood flow, and sleep quality boost immunity and reduce the risk of arthritis, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.
In this article we also explained what yoga poses benefit seniors. The yoga postures featured in this article included easy pose, mountain pose, warrior I pose, eagle arms, seated cat/cow, seated crescent moon, seated forward bend, head-to-knee bend, wind-removing pose, leg-up-the-wall pose, corpse pose, and the sun salutations.
Many of these postures can also be modified when necessary or performed in a chair.
Seniors new to yoga should become familiar with yoga by trying guided online classes, taking a class at a local studio, or hiring a yoga instructor for a one-on-one session.
Also Read:
Strengthens The Whole Body
Yoga strengthens your muscles and theres promising research showing that it also strengthens your bones. As you become older your bone mass and density will decrease, this is natural and foreseeable. For some the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone, they are diagnosed with osteoporosis with an increased risk of bone fractures, especially in the spine.
In yoga, you move your spine in all 6 directions back, forth, side to side and rotate both left and right. When done properly this will increase the health of your spine. Note: If have osteoporosis, be careful with rotations and forward folds. We will look into the postures and how they are done safely in just a moment.
Don’t Miss: Hot Yoga During Pregnancy
Yoga Benefits Your Mental Health
According to the NIH, yoga can benefit your mind as much as your body. Studies show practicing yoga causes decreased depression, stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels, and increased feelings of hope over time.
Taking care of your mental health is important at any age. However, the risks associated with mental health struggles increase as you grow older. Those who suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke, have an increased risk of suffering from depression. In addition, depression can complicate the treatment of these conditions, making treatment more difficult.
Keep The Focus On Function
A lot of younger students come to yoga to get the physical perks of yoga arms or a tight bottom. But for the older student, the focus changes. Making space in the joints in the body is the most important thing, explains Rosen. More important than hardening the belly and the buttocks is keeping your movements fluid. Tightening makes them restricted and stiff. But creating space also increases strength at the same time.
Payne recommends reminding students of the intention of the pose to help them understand that the benefit is the most important element. For instance, the purpose of Uttanasana is to stretch the spine, and the hamstrings are secondary. If you soften your limbs, such as slightly bending the knees, its easier to stretch your spine, especially if you are tight or a beginner. He also recommends dynamic and static movement for older students, Moving in and out of the postures prepares the joints and muscles and links you with the breath.
You May Like: Power Vinyasa Yoga Calories
Yoga For Seniors: How To Get Started
You’re never too old to reap the rewards of yoga. For seniors who are looking for a safe, effective way to enhance their physical health and overall wellness, the stretching, breathing, and meditation practices of yoga can be a great solution. In fact, as you will see, doing yoga regularly can result in a host of benefits for older adults, from greater flexibility and improved balance to lower stress and better sleep.
It’s no wonder, then, that yoga is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. The 2016 Yoga in America Study found that nearly 14 million Americans over the age of 50 practiced yoga that year. That was a significant jump from the four million who did so in 2012.
This article outlines the many benefits of senior yoga and describes several of the best types of yoga for older men and women . It also offers information about basic poses and explains what you should do before you begin any yoga routine. And it even provides examples of helpful books, videos, and DVDs as well as tips on how to find appropriate classes.
