Why the over 50s are embracing yoga
It's not just bendy, Lycra wearing, 20-year-olds who go to yoga classes. In fact, half of the classes at local yoga studio, Yoga Life Warragul, are comprised of over 50-year-olds.
Find out why more and more over 50s are discovering the benefits of yoga.
In 2012, research completed at The University of California, LA, took brain scans and memory tests on 25 adults over 55. They compared the effects with a 12 week course of yoga and meditation. They found that the group doing yoga and meditation not only had better improvements in their spatial and visual memories, but also reduced depression and anxiety and increased resilience to stress.
In 2014, the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology published a review of yoga and cardiovascular disease. The research showed that yoga can help lower heart disease risk just as much as brisk walking. Stress hormones in the body raise both blood pressure and heart rate, which increases the likelihood of a heart attack. The benefits of yoga to reduce stress plays a big role in decreasing the pressure on the heart.
There are many yoga postures which gently strengthen the back and the abdominal muscles. These muscles are essential to support the spine, helping the body maintain proper upright posture and movement. When these muscles are strengthened, back pain can be greatly reduced.
Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise so can help increase bone and muscle density. Yoga also helps treat and prevent problems in later life such as osteoporosis, arthritis and other joint pain. The benefits such as an increase in flexibility, core stability, support, balance and strength have been proven to soothe pressure on bones and muscles, significantly increasing the practitioners' quality of life.
Yoga can be adapted in so many ways to make it accessible - even if you have restrictions or injuries. Have a chat to Caitlin or Ama at Yoga Life Warragul if you have any questions before getting started. Classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced.
Call 0411 281 487 or visit www.yogalife.com.au for more information.