9 University Proven Benefits of Yoga!
Don’t take my word for it – The benefits of yoga on a host of age-related conditions are increasingly being recognised by medical universities such as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who suggest trying yoga for seniors and report that yoga:
- Aids cardiac health
- Helps balance
- Benefits arthritis
- Eases chronic pain
- Helps you manage stress
- Is mood boosting
- Helps with sleep
- Brings back pain relief
- Improves strength, balance and flexibility
- Helps recovery from oncology
Of course, I know all of this, but it is nice to have it recognised by a medical university to back what yoga centres and practitioners know already.
They also state how Downward Dog makes people feel more relaxed:
“If you’ve done your “downward dog” yoga pose today, you’re probably feeling more relaxed. Regardless of your level of yoga expertise, if you’re practicing regularly, you can feel better from head to toe.”
Johns Hopkins
A little goes a long way
Of course, many people for a variety of reasons attend a class once a week. Once a week is better than not at all. A once-a-week class backed with even a few minutes of carefully selected stretches a day will make a massive difference to physical and emotional wellbeing. Better still attend class twice a week or more if you can.
Johns Hopkins also talk about physical therapy to help those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Their therapist suggests stretching, strength training and balance work which are all aspects of yoga practice along with utilising reciprocal movements and amplitude training which is exaggerated movements.
Yoga is a marvellous way of working alongside physical therapy for Parkinson’s patients and is especially useful when a person cannot get regular NHS physiotherapy or when you want to extend your physio beyond what is available. The way that yoga works the mind and body and gives emotional support benefits everyone but can be especially beneficial for anyone facing a lack of confidence or feelings of isolation due to a diagnosis.
Those of us who practice daily yoga and who have taken the steps to train as a yoga teacher know that however the individual practices yoga there are huge mental and physical benefits from regular yoga practice. Many of us are passionate about helping other people to benefit from yoga practice.
For many of us yoga becomes a way of life, it makes us into better versions of ourselves. Good teachers don’t force anything onto students. Yoga as an exercise regime only still offers huge benefits and it is the choice of the individual if they wish to take their practice further or into other directions. Yoga is not a competitive exercise. It is supportive, you support you and work with how your body and mind feels on the day.
Yoga has evolved into many different types
There are different types of yoga classes, at least 12 different types of yoga, like Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, Shanti yoga, Iyengar yoga, Hot yoga and more. Then there are the sub-sections of the various yoga types.
As an older person, a beginner or someone with a chronic condition you may despair if you find yourself in a yoga class where the teacher is getting you to crank into “the right shape” for particular poses or one who creates a competitive atmosphere between attendees or you find yourself quickly out of breathe as you struggle to keep up, then run for the hills! The best yoga for your life stage is supportive of the individual, is respectful and is enjoyable. It’s gentle, slower paced and gradual.
We are not all the same
It is fortunate that yoga has evolved into so many types because, of course, there are some students who are trying to achieve the more difficult poses, and those working towards higher levels of their yoga journey and there are some personalities who need to be pushed to achieve their best. Those who want a fast paced, active workout. But for most mere mortals a class that aids you to gradually stretch and flex to increase flexibility and strength is a far healthier option, especially as you age and if you are new or returning to physical exercise.
Hatha yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga, but it is easy to become confused. Because of the way Hatha is pronounced Hatha yoga can sound like hot or hotter yoga. So make sure you know what you are signing up for!
The hardest part is showing up
Whether you have a visible or hidden condition or are out of the habit of mixing attending a class on your own can feel daunting, but remember that other attendees will feel the same as you do – some may even feel worse. The hardest step is showing up. Which is actually one reason for paying for lessons up-front, when you’ve already paid you have the incentive to make the effort to show up. People regret the things we don’t do. You would be wondering what you are missing, wonder what it was like, feel upset with yourself that you didn’t go – so show up – you can thank yourself later!
Find a teacher who specialises in yoga for beginners and older people, find one who teaches small groups so that you know you won’t be daunted by a large group and crucially you will all have individual attention within the framework of the class.
Yoga in Somerset with Lyn
Lyn is a returner to teaching following cancer treatment and complications, she is someone who has taken the time to create and structure classes aimed at those who are body conscious, post operative or who have chronic conditions that impact physical health. As an older person herself Lyn is also the perfect teacher for older adults by bringing slower paced, gentle, effective yoga suitable to stretch and flex body and mind. Lyn has recently undertaken a yoga for bone health course. Bone health is something that is highly import to her for her own health and she is delighted to add yoga for osteoporosis and bone health to her repertoire to help other people at risk or those who want to build bone health. To find out about lessons near you in the approximate Castle Cary area of Somerset contact Lyn at Yoga.somerset@gmail.com
References
References:
Unknown author, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga (accessed June 2023).