Many lifestyle changes have to be made as one enters their golden years. They can be due to changing health conditions, or probably just a conscious decision to lead a healthier life. Many mature adults have turned to yoga to help them age gracefully and healthily. Yoga helps with the normal function of your organs and refreshes your body and mind. It also can help with flexibility and physical and mental strength. Yoga is a perfect exercise to keep the body moving while relieving stress, so here are some yoga poses for your loved ones to try.
Easy Pose
This movement does great to release tension in stiff hips while strengthening the spine. It also helps to relieve stress to achieve a calm mind. To start, you will need to sit on the floor cross-legged. If you have some difficulty doing so, you can put a cushion on the floor for comfort. With your hands facing up, connect your thumb and index finger at the tips. Sit up straight and continue to take deep breaths. Focusing on your breathing. Doing this for 10 minutes can be your warm-up for the rest of the poses, or even as a daily meditation.
Hand to Foot Pose
This move requires you to bend forward and will help to strengthen your muscles while relieving stress. It will also help with digestive problems and blood circulation. Be sure to only do this move after you have warmed up to prevent injuries. You first start out standing straight. Inhale deeply and raise your arms to the sky, bending to touch your feet on the exhale. It is okay if you cannot touch your toes on the first try, but do not bend your knees. Stay in this position for a few breaths, trying to bend lower with every exhale. Return to the starting position slowly and do three times daily.
Sphinx Pose
You will need to lie flat on your stomach for this move, keeping your forehead on the ground and legs closed. Have your arms stretched in front of you with palms and arms touching the ground. With a deep inhale, lift your head, abdomen and chest slowly, using your arms as a guide to bring the upper torso up. Hold the position for a few breaths and bring your body back down on the exhale. Repeat this move three times daily, and it will help strengthen your upper body while improving blood circulation and eliminating stress.
Corpse Pose
This is the easiest pose for mature adults to do and helps to relax the mind and body. It also helps to reduce anxiety and blood pressure. All you have to do is lie down on your back with your arms and legs away from your body. Have your eyes closed, relaxing your body while breathing deeply. Continue to relax in this position until you are ready to sit up and open your eyes. Do this for 10 minutes as you wrap up your yoga session.
