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Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical poses, breathwork, and meditation.
There are several different types of yoga.
Some provide intense physical workouts, and others are morerestorative and relaxed.
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Yoga may benefit older adults who want to slow down the loss of flexibility that naturally comes with age.
A study found that adults over 65 can improve their flexibility with a regular yoga practice.
Increases Strength
Moving through and holding yoga poses can help you improve flexibility and strength.
Improves Balance
Many yoga poses require balance and can help you improve yours over time.
Aloss of balanceis a common cause of falls in older adults, especially those in nursing facilities.
However, more research is needed to determine if yoga benefits older adults at risk of falls.
Yoga improves strength and flexibility, and this may lead to better alignment and posture.
Teaches Breath Control
Yoga focuses on controlled breathing and mindfulness.
Protects Joints
Practicing yoga may protect your joints and reduce joint pain.
Strengthening your muscles helps to put less stress and tension on your joints.
Research found that yoga was more effective at improvingknee joint painthan massage.
Improves Cardiovascular Function
A regular exercise routine improves your cardiovascular function and lowers heart disease risk.
One study found that yoga breathing (pranayama) may improve heart health.
Controlled breathing may improve oxygenation and put less stress on the heart.
Improves Bone Health
Everyone loses bone density as they age, which increases the risk of fractures and falls.
Holding yoga poses that require strength, such as a lunge, can improve bone density.
However, more research is needed to determine how yoga affects the brain.
Boosts Immunity
Yoga has been found to improve stress levels.
Aids Stress Relief
Yoga has a positive effect onanxietyand stress levels.
Asana yoga, in particular, has been found to help people better manage their stress.
In addition to a physical workout, yoga provides opportunities for deep breathing and mindfulness.
Together, these practices lower stress levels and improve well-being.
Helps With Burnout
Burnoutis a common condition that takes place if a person experiences excessive exhaustion.
Studies show that people who practice yoga may have more body awareness.
This mind-body connection may help people take better care of themselves and avoid periods of burnout.
More research is needed to determine if yoga can prevent burnout.
A Word From Verywell
Yoga is a great activity because of its versatility.
Modifying poses as necessary is always an option, making it accessible to all levels.
Yoga is excellent for improving overall mobility, endurance, and fitness and for enhancing blood flow and circulation.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is a movement practice that combines physical exercise with breathing andmindfulness (present moment awareness).
Many yoga classes in the United States focus on physical poses (asanas).
Other elements of yoga includebreathing practices (pranayama)and meditation (dyana).
Styles of yoga include:
Are There Any Risks to Yoga?
The risk of injury or harm from yoga is rare but possible.
Yoga poses should never feel painful.
The most common types of injuries from yoga are strains and sprains, but serious injuries are rare.
To lower your risk of injury, choose a beginner class with an experienced instructor.
Avoid extreme poses like headstands, and talk with your instructor about any necessary modifications.
Also, ask your healthcare provider if they could recommend a specific key in of yoga class.
Tell your yoga instructor if you are pregnant or have chronic pain.
When taking a hot yoga class, drink plenty of water before, during, and after.
Is Yoga Good For Me If I Have a Health Condition?
Yoga may be beneficial for specific health conditions.
If you are new to yoga, consider starting with a beginner class to learn the basics.
It may be helpful to call ahead or arrive early and ask the instructor what to expect.
When you begin to practice yoga, take it slow.
Avoid pushing your body too hard, and never hold a painful pose.
Summary
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathwork, and meditation.
Preliminary research has overwhelmingly found that yoga benefits physical and mental health.
Potential benefits include improved balance, increased bone density, less chronic pain, and lower stress levels.
Yoga is generally considered a safe activity for most people.
To get started, try a beginner class with an experienced instructor.
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