Strike a Pose with Yoga
Yoga is a practice of poses and breathing techniques designed to
strengthen and balance your body that originated in India 5,000 years
ago.
Your first thought about yoga might be getting contorted into some
pretzel pose. While some advanced positions are very difficult, there
are many levels and styles of yoga. One of the most popular is hatha
yoga which combines elements of several other yoga forms. Due to its
slower pace and easier movements, it’s perfect for beginners.
The core components of most general yoga classes are poses or
postures that increase strength and flexibility and controlled breathing
to increase energy and quiet the mind.
Physical benefits are increased flexibility, balance, strength, and
range of motion. Emotional benefits include stress reduction, better
sleep, and improved concentration, mental balance, and mood.
Many people have found that yoga is a “gateway” practice that leads
them on the path of a healthier lifestyle. Serious practitioners are so
enthusiastic with their results they almost could convince you it’s the
elixir of life!
When Mayo Clinic talks up yoga, you know it has gone mainstream. They
report that yoga might help with a variety of health conditions, such
as cancer, depression, pain, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and high blood
pressure.
Tai Chi — Meditation in Motion
If the idea of getting down on the floor to do yoga doesn’t appeal to
you, consider tai chi. This Chinese martial art form is often described
as meditation in motion.
It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused
manner, accompanied by deep breathing. You’ve probably seem images of
Chinese seniors practicing outside in a park. It can be done by nearly
everyone regardless of age or physical condition. There are tai chi
programs designed for seniors, people with arthritis, and even people in
wheelchairs.
Tai chi looks so easy yet gives your brain and your body a
surprisingly good workout. You may find, as I did, that it’s
surprisingly mentally challenging to move the body in new and unfamiliar
ways!
Studies have shown that practicing it just three times a week can
increase brain volume and improve memory and thinking. Some researchers
believe it may be useful in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Tai chi is an excellent stress management technique that can reduce
anxiety and help you sleep. Harvard Medical School found that while tai
chi won’t leave you out of breath, it still addresses the key components
of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and even aerobic
conditioning. It can help serious health conditions including arthritis,
low bone density, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and
Parkinson’s.
Engage Your Core with Pilates
At only 100 years old, Pilates is a relative newcomer compared
to yoga and tai chi. This gentle, non-aerobic form of exercise
lengthens and strengthens muscles to improve posture, without stressing
the joints, and uses the abdominal muscles to create core strength.
Pilates has long been popular with dancers and athletes for injury
rehabilitation. The exercises can be done on a mat or a special Pilates
exercise machine, either at home or in a studio.
The six principles of Pilates – centering, concentration, control,
precision, breath, and flow – engage your brain while you master each
exercise.
Getting Started
Taking a class gives you the added benefit of a social activity.
Staying socially active is very important for longevity and mental
acuity. Finding yoga classes near you should be relatively easy. There
are many yoga studios — find one near you at YogaFinder.com.
Pilates classes won’t be hard to find, either. There are Pilates-only
studios, and many gyms and dance studios offer Pilates classes, too.
Find classes near you at FindMyPilates.com.
Finding a local tai chi class could prove more challenging. You might
find one at a local fitness club, the YMCA, or through continuing
education programs.
You might prefer starting your exercise program at home – either for
convenience or because you’re self-conscious in a group setting. If
that’s the case, no worries! There are many excellent DVDs and online
programs you can tap into, instead.
These three gentle exercises can be done by anyone regardless of age
or condition. Start now and you will be creating a healthy habit that
you can continue to do for the rest of your life.
6 Comments:
All of these are great for the mind, body, and soul, but if possible, I highly recommend finding a class to join. When you are paying for something, as well as participating in a group, it raises your accountability and will keep you on track. Even when it comes to things that we know will benefit us, it is still difficult to stay motivated and do them. Joining a class helps build a routine that you can stick to.
Thank you for sharing your experience about taking classes. You make an excellent point about accountability!
If you do this, your life will be much better equilibrium. I think so.
I will remember these three ways, sharing your interesting.
I do tai chi and believe it does help my mental fitness. The most challenging part is mental. Trying to maintain the focus on your body and movements is great exercise for the brain.
I found a class via my school district's continuing education offerings and followed up with drop-in sessions at the local senior center.
Hi Natalie, That's great you found two sources for tai chi classes. Thanks for sharing!