Yoga after 40 – Is it Viable?

Yoga after 40 – Is it Viable?

There are many reasons why people choose to exercise – for some, it’s the vanity of wanting to look their best; others are addicted to the adrenaline rush they get from working out or playing a sport; and yet others take to it as a way to remain healthy. Whatever your grounds for exercising, there’s no doubt that it is beneficial if you do it safely and without overdoing it. One form of exercise that’s safe and effective no matter how old you are is yoga, and if you’re wondering how you could incorporate this in your life as you grow older, here’s how yoga after 40 helps you stay fit and healthy:

• Breathing exercises: Yoga is not all about contorted limbs and complicated postures. It’s more about breathing deeply and using your inner dormant energy to rejuvenate yourself. When you learn the nuances of breathing deeply and meditating, you feel better both physically and mentally. Your stress levels decrease admirably and you feel refreshed and ready to face a new day of challenges.
• Stretching to limber up: Yoga helps work all your muscles and joints with a series of stretching exercises that remove stiffness and improve your mobility. When you grow older, you feel your body slowing down and becoming more lethargic. Regular stretching through yoga movements allows you to stay limber and active even though the years are creeping up on you.
• Flexibility: No matter how old you are, yoga helps improve your flexibility and helps you avoid the problems that come with old age. Your muscles and bones get stronger instead of atrophying with age as they usually do. Yoga helps you avoid the nagging aches and pains that come with the passing of years and helps you remain young, both at heart and in body.

You don’t have to go all out and exert yourself in order to lose weight and gain the other benefits of yoga. All you need to do is spend an hour a day with yourself and your yoga mat, and go through your breathing and stretching exercises as best as you can. Remember your age when you exercise in order to avoid overdoing it, and go barefoot to prevent accidental spills and falls.

Before you take up yoga however, check with your doctor to see if it’s safe for you. Sometimes, if you suffer from arthritis, have a slipped disc, are at risk for heart disease and have hypertension, certain postures could be harmful. If you’re new to exercise, start out slowly and with a qualified instructor who is well versed in teaching yoga to those nearing or over the age of 40. Yes, yoga is viable when you’re middle-aged, if you take it slow, play it safe, and adopt it as a way of life.

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This post is written by Susan White, who writes on the topic of Becoming a Radiologist Technician . She welcomes your comments at her email id: susan.white33@gmail.com.