Read out this post to learn 8 key benefits of Yoga for seniors and the elderly.

1. HOW CAN SENIOR
YOGA HELP ME?

2. For many generations, yoga has existed to help exercise
the mind, body, and soul.

3. A holistic way to develop physical, mental, emotional,
and spiritual well-being, yoga has existed in ancient
India not only to improve flexibility and fitness but also
to develop clear thinking and a calm demeanor.

4. Over the years, yoga has also evolved with a wide range
of styles and exercises targeting various age groups
from young children to the elderly.

5. For the past 7 years, PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in the
West End of Alexandria, Virginia has been serving
senior clients ever since it offered its signature class
called My Body Don’t Bend the Way. Over the years,
the Alexandria-based yoga studio which also caters to
clients in the Del Ray, VA area has developed over 30
classes accessible to almost everyone especially seniors
and the elderly. There is a wide range of standing,
sitting, lying down and chair yoga asanas for older
clients to choose from.

6. PIES Fitness Yoga instructors adapt easily to senior
clients by placing more emphasis on proper breathing
and awareness of movement while respecting the
limitations of the body, especially for older adults.
During the Senior Yoga classes, instructors observe and
adjust the pace to ensure everyone remains safe and
comfortable while being gently guided to increase
mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance.

7. Older clients are often hesitant to try out Senior Yoga
classes because they don’t know where to start and
how to progress in their exercises. Some clients would
often share their apprehension in taking senior yoga
classes because they fear that they may get hurt or no
longer be able to keep up with the pace and difficulty
of the positions. At our Alexandria studio, PIES Fitness
Yoga assures senior yoga clients that their safety and
well-being are always the priority. The overall benefits
of yoga to the body also outweigh whatever risk there
is that can also happen when a person, for example,
does daily household chores.

8. 8 Benefits of Yoga for Seniors and the Elderly
1. Senior Yoga improves balance and stability
Yoga is a gentle exercise that effectively promotes
balance and stability. Yoga provides you with a better
sense and coordination of your body movements. With
senior yoga, you can also develop good balance
techniques and also reduce the risks of falling which is
among the most common kind of fatal and non-fatal
injuries of adults over 65 years old in the United States.

9. 2. Senior Yoga improves flexibility and joint health
Stiff joints and muscles are common among the elderly.
Senior Yoga is a gentle and effective way to increase
flexibility and introduce a wide range of motion. The
movements also simultaneously loosen and strengthen
muscles. Seniors with increased flexibility also recover
quickly from other injuries or pain.

10. 3. Senior Yoga improves breathing and respiration
Seniors often experience breathing difficulties as they
get older. Respiratory systems slow down causing
negative effects to the aging body. Practicing yoga helps
seniors become more mindful of their breathing. It also
teaches specific breathing techniques that increase the
flow of oxygen.

11. 4. Senior Yoga can lower blood pressure and
improve cardiovascular health
Introducing movements through senior yoga is the key
to maintaining good blood circulation and lowering
blood pressure. Several yoga positions help in opening
up the circulatory system and get the blood flowing
freely again. Recent studies have also shown that yoga
reduces oxidative stress in the elderly resulting in lower
blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.

12. 5. Senior Yoga helps with digestion
Some yoga asanas or positions can help you care for
the health of your colon and prevent future issues from
appearing. Senior yoga poses also aid in digestion and
improve physical health related to irritable bowel and
colon health. It can even help address bloating and
other stomach problems.

13. 6. Senior Yoga strengthens the bones and aids good
posture
Gentle yoga poses involving weight-bearing poses can
help build strength, ease pain, and encourage good
posture. Aside from improving posture, yoga is also a
useful addition to your osteoporosis treatment plan. It
can help to ease symptoms and lower your risk of
complications. It has also helped increase bone density
after menopause in some yoga practitioners.

14. 7. Senior Yoga reduces anxiety and encourages
mindfulness
Through meditation and mindful breathing, senior yoga
encourages you to focus on the present and find a
sense of peace. Research has recently demonstrated
that yoga positions aids in lowering levels of the stress
hormone cortisol and help ease symptoms of anxiety
and depression.

15. 8. Senior Yoga promotes better sleep
Yoga can help alleviate sleep disturbances, which are
common complaints among seniors. Many seniors
struggle with insomnia, which can exacerbate other
health conditions. Encouraging seniors to do yoga could
help them fall asleep more quickly and improve their
quality of sleep through the night.

16. Conclusion
The yoga asanas often suggested for an elderly person
may be the same as those for a younger individual. The
difference lies in the effort and time spent in a posture,
and the flexibility involved. However, if you have high
endurance levels, you will be able to perform the
cardiovascular movements and abdominal exercises to
satisfaction. At Alexandria, Virginia’s PIES Fitness Yoga
Studio, we’ll only make sure that all your needs are
met.

17. Come and visit us! Register for one of our classes!
Book a class and check out our rates! We provide
classes for clients residing in Alexandria, Virginia, and
those who live close to Del Ray, VA, Old Town
Alexandria, and Mount Vernon. Aside from Senior Yoga,
we also offer over 80 yoga and fitness classes for all
ages.