Yoga and Restorative Exercises for Seniors: Easy Guide to Increased Mobility
Yoga and restorative exercises are excellent for seniors who want to increase their mobility, flexibility, strength, and balance. Yoga is an ancient practice focusing on breathing techniques and postures to improve overall physical health. Doing these exercises regularly can help reduce joint pain while boosting energy levels and increasing mental clarity. By boosting your strength and flexibility, you can reduce your risk of injury and improve your long-term health. Because it's so popular, numerous yoga classes are offered in the area, which is also a great way to meet other like-minded seniors. You can find helpful tutorials online if you don't feel like going to a class. Remember, it's always best to speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Many different types of yoga are suitable for seniors. Each offers a gentle yet effective way to increase mobility and strength. Here are some yoga techniques popular among seniors that you might want to explore.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done from the comfort of a chair. This type of yoga focuses on postures and breathing techniques to help improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It's also a great way to relax the body and mind while promoting good posture. If you are a yoga beginner, chair yoga is a great way to ease into more difficult poses.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a slow, gentle martial art that is often referred to as "meditation in motion." This exercise can help improve balance and coordination while promoting relaxation and inner peace. Many people practice Tai Chi outside, which can also help boost their mental health.
Yoga for Balance
Yoga for balance focuses on postures and movements to help improve coordination, balance, and strength. This exercise can be done from the comfort of a chair or standing up, depending on your needs.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a type of yoga that incorporates the use of props such as blankets, bolsters, and straps to provide extra support for senior practitioners. This type of exercise can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance while also providing relaxation.
Getting Started with Yoga
If you're a senior looking to start practicing yoga, the first step is to find a qualified instructor. It's important that your instructor is knowledgeable and experienced in working with seniors so they can provide modifications if needed. It's important to start slowly and ease your way into the practice. This will help you avoid injury or strain as you build strength and flexibility.
Looking for more ways to boost your well-being? Contact Senior Helpers of the Metro East. Our in-home senior care services can help you find qualified yoga instructors or provide transportation to classes. If you aren't ready to jump into a yoga class, we can be your walking buddy or assist with other suitable exercises to get you on the road to better overall physical health. We provide care to Alton, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, East Alton, Edwardsville, and beyond. Call our team to discuss how we can help you meet your fitness goals.