Getting Started with Yoga
Yoga is one of the fastest-growing wellness practices in the United States, attracting more than 37 million people, 14 million of which are 50 and older. So many older adults are attracted to yoga because it’s a low-pact fitness activity that not only works out the body but can significantly benefit mental and spiritual health.
Curious about yoga, its benefits, and how to get started? We got you covered.
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India several thousand years ago. In the modern age, yoga is a physical and mental exercise people practice to improve and maintain their health. There are various types of yoga, but many focus on holding poses and moving the body to one’s breath. With regular practice, many individuals find yoga to tone and strengthen the body, improve flexibility, stability, and balance, and decrease stress.
How do I start a yoga practice?
If you think yoga sounds fun and the benefits aren’t too bad, consider starting a yoga practice.
Talk to your doctor
Before starting any new workout, you must speak with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for your body. Be open and honest with your doctor about why you want to try yoga and the benefits you hope to see. If you cannot practice, your doctor can steer you toward other options to help you meet your goals.
Schedule an introductory class with a nearby yoga studio
If you’re new to yoga, working with a certified yoga instructor is the best way to start. When you’re at a yoga studio with a professional, the instructor can help guide you through different poses and teach you how to practice safely. It also allows you to ask questions and meet others who share a similar interest in yoga. Try to get a few classes in at a yoga studio or workout facility before trying yoga on your own.
Find a flow or practice that works for you
Once you’ve taken a few yoga classes and understand a few basic poses and stretches, take time to research different types of yoga and determine which may provide you with the most benefit. Search for tutorials and flows online to learn more about each yoga practice. You can follow along and see how the movements make you feel. Once you find a few you like, save the web pages to come back to the next time you want to practice.
Make yoga part of your routine
To reap the full benefits of yoga, you need to make it part of your routine. Start by dedicating 20-30 minutes on your mat once or twice weekly. Once that cadence starts to feel natural, add more time on your mat or increase the number of days per week. Eventually, you want yoga to feel like a part of your day and something you look forward to doing.
Continue learning and asking for help
Yoga is a journey. It comes with continuing practice and patience, and constantly pushing yourself to learn more is vital. Whether you choose to build an at-home yoga routine or visit a local studio a few times a week, continue to ask questions and challenge yourself. Ask someone if you don’t know how to get into a pose or have trouble understanding the benefit of specific movements. The more you ask, the more you’ll learn and the more use you’ll find in yoga.
Working with Visiting Angels
While we may not teach yoga at Visiting Angels, our at-home caregivers love helping seniors find new ways to improve their bodies and minds. With our companion care services, our caregivers can help you search the web to find a yoga studio near you, drive you to your sessions, or help you find resources to learn more about practicing yoga. We also assist with non-yoga-related tasks like light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, and more.
Our Jasper office serves those in Jasper and the surrounding communities of Walker County, Alabama. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule a complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 205.388.9353.