Warm-up
Be sure to warm-up your muscles and joints before you begin a yoga practice.
One good way to do this is to gently massage them at the start of your practice - massage fingers, hands, arms, shoulders, legs - feel the warmth. This will increase circultation and improve flexibility.
A Word to the Wise
Yoga can increase flexibility and strength. And it may seem easy. But it¡¯s a very powerful form of exercise.
So the caution you¡¯ve heard before applies ¨C you should consult with your doctor before you undertake a yoga program, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.
"Easy Does It Yoga"
The American Yoga Association¡¯s ¡°Easy Does It Yoga¡± program is designed for the elderly or anyone with physical limitations. Developed in the 1960s the program student¡¯s manual ¡°provides a comprehensive routine of exercise, breathing, and meditation, many of which are designed for chair or bed.¡±
Information about the program can be found at http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/EasyDoesIt.html
Arthritis
If you have arthritis, you can definitely benefit from doing yoga BUT remember to begin slowly.
Start with breathing and relaxation the gradually move onto simple poses. Do NOT do anything that causes pain or discomfort.
Pain
Very, very, important... do NOT do yoga practice when you?re experiencing pain or when your joints are swollen or tender.
Instead, focus on breathing and relaxation on those days. You can resume your practice when you?re feeling better.
Improved Fitness
As we get older, we tend to be less active. Yoga can help. Yoga?s gentle movements are an ideal way to improve balance, flexibility and strength.
Many senior centers are now offering yoga classes because this has become a popular, stress-free way for seniors to improve fitness.
Slowing or Reversing Aging
While there is no proven research that I could find regarding yoga slowing or reversing the aging process, the simple fact is that those who practice yoga regularly feel stronger, more flexible and more independent.
Flexibility and Strength
As we age, our bodies go through many changes. Yoga can help us manage the aches, pains and stiffness that so often come along. It also gives us the strength and confidence we need to remain independent as we get older.