Yoga Classes For The Golden Years
There is a common myth that yoga is exclusively tailored for flexible, young individuals. To the contrary, yoga exercise boasts favourable benefits for older adults. When coupled with a nourishing diet, yoga sustains one's physical and mental wellness leading up to the latter stages of life. In todays age there are a vast amount of options for older adults to experience yoga.
Initiating the Yoga Journey
No matter if an individual's age is 15 or 50, numerous classes impart yoga knowledge from the basics. The choice of class is not significant for the age factor but rather for the experience level. In Peachland, Harbour House Yoga offers beginner yoga classes that welcome late starters. These sessions focus not only on physical postures but also on breathing techniques and meditation practices. There are also many classes at the local Community Recreation Centre.
For Active Older Adults
Engaging in yoga is not bound by the constraints of passive retirement. Organizations such as Body of Wisdom Yoga which is a video on demand, subscription based, online yoga platform, tailor classes explicitly for active older adults taught by active older adults. These classes offer diverse options, allowing one to select based on their schedule, mood, and energy levels. They have beginner, moderate, and intermediate classes, providing a continuum of learning, improving, and mastering the art.
Body of Wisdom Yoga's mission is to provide age relevant online yoga and meditation that is accessible to all active older adults. Yoga for those just starting their journey, and those that have been practicing for years. Offering both monthly and yearly memberships, members are able to access a large variety of online classes, anytime, anywhere.
Yoga Types
Yoga embodies multiple types and styles - each variant catering to the needs and restrictions of different groups. Both Harbour House and Body of Wisdom Yoga offer classes varying from flow to restorative, to more contemporary chair yoga.
Flow yoga focuses on linking breath with movement. Unlike other yoga styles where poses are held for longer durations, flow yoga transitions smoothly from one pose to the next, creating a continuous and graceful flow. This practice often resembles a dance, emphasizing fluidity and rhythm.
Flow Yoga
Flow yoga offers numerous benefits, making it a favourite for many practitioners. Here are some key advantages:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: The continuous movement in flow yoga increases heart rate, offering a cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Enhanced Flexibility and Strength: The dynamic nature of flow yoga helps build flexibility and muscle strength. Regular practice can lead to better overall physical conditioning.
Stress Reduction: Synchronizing breath with movement promotes mindfulness and reduces stress. The meditative aspect of flow yoga helps calm the mind and improve mental clarity.
Increased Energy Levels: Flow yoga invigorates the body and boosts energy levels, making it an excellent choice for those looking to feel more energized throughout the day.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is designed for deep relaxation and recovery. It involves gentle poses supported by props, held for extended periods to release tension and promote healing.
Pace: Restorative yoga is very slow, with poses held for several minutes, allowing the body to fully relax.
Purpose: Restorative yoga focuses on deep relaxation, stress relief, and healing.
Energy Levels: Restorative yoga is calming and soothing, ideal for those needing to unwind and recover.
Remote Yoga Classes
In an era of technology, not being able to attend an in-person session should not deter older adults from experiencing yoga benefits. A simple search on YouTube reveals a host of "yoga for seniors" videos at disposal. Youtube sessions vary from a 28-minute sequence of gentle sitting and standing postures to a quick, basic seven-minute workout using seven different poses.
Conclusion
Yoga for older adults is a lifestyle choice enhancing physical health, mental well-being, energy levels, and overall life quality. Peachland, with its varied offers, caters to seniors looking to embark or continue their yoga journey. Namaste!
