On the whole, we live longer than we used to, and we all want high-quality living and good health to be a part of our older years. Extended periods of sitting lead to muscular shortening, tightening, and weakening. Lack of weight-bearing activity contributes to osteoporosis. Lack of movement and stretching leads to joint deterioration and loss of flexibility. Many health concerns have been linked to the sedentary lifestyle which is typical of many older people, including, but not limited to the following:
- Reduced joint flexibility
- Arthritis/bursitis
- High blood pressure
- Increased body fat and decreased lean body tissue
- Osteoporosis
- Low back pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Poor blood circulation
- Chronic pain
- Stress-related symptoms
- Inability to sleep peacefully
Hatha Yoga is considered tremendous for combating these effects of ageing, helping the condition listed above.
Bikram Yoga was developed for beginners of all abilities and ages. Bikram Yoga can be quite challenging for older person simply because it is so damn annoying seeing the younger students going into the postures so much more and seemingly effortlessly. You just have to remember that it does not matter how far you go into a posture. To get the full benefits you just have to try your personal best. Just standing on one leg and trying to grab the other foot in a heated room is so beneficial. In the standing leg you are building bone density, strengthening the feet and leg muscle, increasing the blood flow, by contorting the thigh muscles such the knee cap lifts up you are strengthening and rehabilitating the knee joint. Also from working the lungs, opening up the shoulders, working the stomach muscles, to developing focus and determination the list goes on. Everyone gains from the medical benefits of the yoga just by trying.
One day you will grab the foot, which is wonderful. Come as many times as you can even if it is once a week to start with. In no time you will feel more confident and as you start noticing how much better you feel in your daily life, you will gain a desire to come even more.
