When it comes to sticking to an exercise regimen, it’s important to find do something you love, or at least, something you can ENJOY.
I enjoy dancing, weightlifting, and yoga on a regular schedule, but if I was forced to pick just one, I’d probably have to pick yoga.
Why yoga for aging gracefully?
A good yoga class can incorporate strength, endurance, and cardio training into the same session!
Some people think gentle yoga means easy yoga, but I don’t.
In my opinion, gentle yoga is gentle to your joints, with poses that prepare the body for the next one coming. Gentle can be challenging without being too hard on the body.
Since yoga is a yoking of mind and body, I go easy on the days when my body doesn’t feel strong or energetic.
On the days, I feel my best, I go all out, spending more time holding poses, and experiencing the challenges of each moment.
A few months ago, I interviewed Tara Dorsey-Ward, who had been hit by a drunk driver while bicycling. Tara talked about what yoga has done for her as she works on aging gracefully. She barely participated in classes in the beginning because her body hurt too much, but she just kept showing up and realized that little by little, her body was actually feeling better. You can watch her inspiring interview here at any time!
I encourage my yoga students to be mindful of what they’re doing and how they are feeling on any particular day.
During class, I remind them, “You have my permission to say NO at any time. Please remember that I can’t feel what you are feeling in your body.”
There are so many benefits to yoga that I encourage you to find a class wherever you live. Here are five good reasons to motivate you to find a gentle yoga class near you.
- Yoga can improve memory and focus by helping the brain process information more accurately and quickly.
- Yoga promotes better sleep, allowing many people to fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.
- Body satisfaction is higher for people who practice yoga regularly.
- Yoga has been found to reduce blood pressure, lower harmful cholesterol and encourage weight loss.
- Yoga can lower work-related stress and promote feelings of well-being.
Have YOU tried yoga yet?
Some people think they need to be flexible to go to a yoga class. That is NOT true, but yoga will help you feel more flexible!
Some people worry about getting up and down from the floor. If that is you, seek out a chair yoga class!
What is holding you back?
Or, can you share why YOU DO LOVE YOGA? Maybe you can inspire someone!