There are many different ways to remain active as you age. However, there aren’t too many activities that can benefit your physical, mental, and spiritual self. The one activity that can is yoga. Read more about it below.

Of course, by now you’ve probably read about all of the benefits derived from yoga. It increases one’s flexibility, balance, and can even reduce stress levels. What’s not to like?! With that being said, it can be a little intimidating, picturing yourself attempting to balance on your head. Or locked in a pose the best resembles a pretzel. Luckily, you don’t need to fret about that. There are plenty of different types of yoga that involve different poses for people with different skill sets. Some are for advanced practitioners, while others are for those who are just starting out!

One of the best types of yoga for those who are just starting out is called Ansuara. Its translation means, “following your heart” or “flowing with grace.” It’s the perfect workout for someone just trying out their first yoga session. With environments that are non-competitive and poses that focus on body alignment, you won’t stress about performing impossible poses or holding up the class. The idea is to flow at your own pace, which is a great theme for any aging adult, since our joints become less fluid as we age. With the practice of Ansuara yoga, older adults can really stretch out those joints and get their blood flowing to all parts of their body.

No Strain. All Gain.
Exercise is an essential aspect of healthy aging, although cardio workouts and weight training can cause unwanted strain on our bodies. However, by doing yoga, you’re using your own body weight in different poses. Therefore, you’re making it less likely to injure yourself. You’re getting all of the gains without placing unnecessary strains on your muscles and joints.

Stretch and Flex
A lot of the poses performed in yogic practices not only strengthen muscles, but stretches them out at as well. This creates a greater range of motion and ultimately increases flexibility. A nimble body reduces the chances of falling down. That means more time on a yoga mat equates to less time or less of a possibility at the doctor’s office or hospital.

More Effective than a Glass of Milk
Studies show that not only does yoga slow down the process of osteoporosis, the degeneration of bone mass and density, but it also reverses it. Seniors who performed yoga for up to 2 years did not lose any bone density, and in fact, gained some back. That is because you hold the weight of your body up against gravity. Resisting gravity puts a mild stress on the bones. That stress forces bones into laying down new growth. In this way, yoga is no different from jogging, walking, or playing tennis.

The positive benefits are there! Yoga is not just some new trending fad that all of the young people are doing these days. It’s a fantastic workout that helps your muscles, bones, and mind. Don’t let intimidation be a factor. Take a class starting today!