awareness and core strength to maintain an upright youthful posture .
There is a saying in yoga — “ You ’ re only as old as your spine is supple .” A yoga practice provides the rare opportunity to mobilize the spine in five different directions : lengthening , forward bending , backward bending , side bending , and twisting .
An average day may only provide a couple of these spinal movements . A regular yoga practice guarantees that the spine will be sufficiently mobilized in all directions , thus strengthening muscles and creating much needed space between vertebrae .
When it comes to flexibility and strength , we are often quick to label ourselves as “ not flexible ” or “ not very strong .” Functional flexibility , strength , and balance are what we are interested in when it comes to our daily activities . We want to continue to get up from the floor , our bed , or a chair . We want to be able to bend down and reach up , and have the stamina to do the activities we enjoy . The variety of yoga poses are endless to gently and safely build functional flexibility , strength , and balance .
An invaluable dimension of yoga is the practice of deeper breathing . Breathwork is the foundation of yoga . Deeper breathing slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure . Flexibility of the chest wall is improved through deeper breathing , and lung capacity is maintained . This increases oxygen intake at a cellular level , providing the much needed “ get up and go ” energy .
Mindful deeper breathing is the gateway to meditation , which is associated with improved mental clarity , concentration , focus , and memory .
Yoga postures coupled with mindful breathing become an effective and enjoyable moving meditation .
There are many styles of yoga to choose from for the older adult , depending on lifestyle and personal needs , from stronger yoga practices to gentler styles to chair yoga . The beauty of yoga is that it is never too late to get started and immediately reap the benefits of this tried-and-true healing art form .
Alison Irwin is a Certified Yoga Instructor and former Edmonton Public Schools teacher . Alison lives and teaches yoga on Gabriola Island as well as leads classes on Zoom .
Don ' t be too impressed — I think I ' m stuck .
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