Yoga exercises have a tremendous impact on our health. As we get older, it’s been shown to play a huge role in maintaining our healthy lifestyles. With regular exercises, older adults will feel more energetic and it can also help manage the aches and pains associated with aging.
At South Coast Post Acute, we’re experts in delivering a high level of patient services to get you back on your feet. We provide services ranging from rehabilitation and memory care to many other post-acute care treatments. Read our blog post below and learn how yoga may be the best form of exercise for you.
The Benefits of Yoga Exercises
There are an estimated 300 million yoga enthusiasts worldwide who are enjoying the benefits of the exercise. But, what exactly are those benefits? Well, let’s break it down.
- Strengthen bones: Yoga can prevent onset osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak. It occurs when the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the decrease of bone mass and density as we age.
- Reduces stress: Probably one of the biggest reasons people adopt yoga into their routine is its ability to reduce stress. It offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body. It’s also been shown that it can relieve stress that leads to hypertension, which results in not needing as many medications.
- Improved sleep: Along with reduced stress, yoga has the power to help people get better quality sleep. Insomnia can be a huge problem for older adults and yoga exercises may be the answer to their sleeping needs.
- Enhanced balance, flexibility, mobility, and strength: Another important element of yoga is its ability to improve one’s balance and mobility. As we age, it’s not uncommon for us to be a little slower in our step. Additionally, it gets scarier when you fall. Incorporating yoga exercises into your routine can help prevent these potential injuries. Yoga can also help improve your strength and flexibility, giving you a much better ability to perform daily tasks safely.
- Lessen the risk of depression: It’s not easy getting old, and it’s not uncommon to show in our personalities. Fortunately, it’s been shown that yoga can be an incredibly effective way to improve your mood. It’s also a great way to socialize when you are a part of a yoga group.
- Alleviate aches and pains: Another way older adults benefit from yoga exercises is their ability to relieve the pain associated with aging. As mentioned, it can help people suffering from osteoporosis, but it can also help alleviate issues associated with arthritis. It can help teach you how to breathe and relax through any chronic pain you may be experiencing.
4 Simple Yoga Exercises You Can Do Every Day
Mountain Pose
This is a simple pose that helps people with their balance by grounding the body through the feet.
- Stand tall on a yoga mat with your feet together
- Engage your abdominal muscles, pulling your stomach in
- Relax your shoulders
- Flex your leg muscles, feeling it in your calves and thighs
- Hold your arms straight down at your sides, turning the inside of your elbows towards the front of your body and keeping your palms facing your thighs
- Breathe slowly and hold the pose steady for five breaths
Lotus Pose
Another simple pose you can do is the lotus pose. It may be difficult for some beginners, but once you get the hang of it you’ll feel great doing it.
- Sit cross-legged on the floor with your knees atop their opposite feet
- Lay your hands palms up and relaxed on your knees
- Draw your shoulder blades back
- Lengthen your neck while looking straight ahead
- Hold for 5-10 deep breaths
Child’s Pose
This yoga exercise is a resting pose. This is an excellent pose for people who need a break anytime you’re doing floor postures.
- Kneel in a tabletop position
- Drop your butt back onto your lower legs
- Rest your forehead on the floor or mat
- Lay your arms back by your side. Alternatively, stretch them out beyond your head
- Hold the pose until you feel good and relaxed
Downward Facing Dog
This exercise stretches and strengthens the muscles in your lower legs while working wonders on your back.
- Kneel on the floor or mat in a tabletop position
- Raise your hips in the air to form an inverted “V”
- Relax your neck and let your head hang
- Try to keep your palms flat, your elbows straight, your knees straight, and your heels on the floor
South Coast Post Acute Offers Incredible Rehabilitative Services
South Coast Post Acute is a 5-star rated Medicare facility and private healthcare community in Southern California. For over 40 years, we’ve provided first-class service that emphasizes a high level of compassion and spirit. When you enroll in our facility you aren’t just treated as a patient, you’re treated like family. With a wide range of health services, our team of professionals is capable of helping you. Contact us today and learn how South Coast Post Acute’s staff can help you return to a normal life.