` Yoga has become a popular means of exercise for older adults. And no wonder. It makes their bodies fitter and their minds calmer. Seniors benefit from improvements in balance, stronger muscles, reduced joint pain and more energy.

Modifications should be made to the various yoga poses for seniors with ostoporosis and joint problems. Instructors should be knowledgable about these necessary modifications.

Here are some pointers for older adults to consider when participating in yoga:

* Keep proper spinal alignment with each pose.

* Avoid poses that require forward flexion (bending forward at the waist).

* Move slowly and gently from one pose to the next.

* Poses should feel comfortable and steady.

* Rest when needed.

* Use a chair or wall for balance exercises as required.

Following is a short list of the vinyasas, or yoga pose sequences suitable for a participant with osteoporosis or joint problems:

* Corpse Pose. Begins breath work and decompresses the spine. Breathing is used for inward focus. Use a pillow or bolster as needed.

* Supine Shoulder Press. Strengthens the shoulder girdle and stretches the front of the shoulder. Coordinate with breathing. Use a pillow under the elbows if needed.

* Rib Lift. Strengthens back muscles and stretches the front muscles. If you are weak in this area use the bolster for support.

* Supine Bridging. Strengthens core muscles and stretches the front thigh muscle. Vary with heel raises or leg raises. Place a yoga block between thighs for support.

* Cobra Pose. Stretches anterior muscles. Move carefully throughout the full range of motion.

* Warrior 2 Pose. Strengthens legs and opens chest. Use chair for support if needed.

* Legs Up The Wall Pose. Decompresses spine, improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Maintain good posture. Use blankets or bolsters as needed.

Yoga has many benefits to offer senior citizens. Some of the regular moves, however, aren’t suitable for older adults, especially those with joint problems or osteoporosis. The modifications are small and don’t take much away from the original move. Making a few safety changes to your yoga program will reduce injury and allow you to reap all the outstanding benefits of yoga practice.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness ideas go to www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Technorati Tags: Balance Exercises, Breath Work, Corpse Pose, Exercise, Improvements, Joint Pain, Muscles, Necessary Modifications, Older Adults, Osteoporosis, Participant, Pointers, Pose Sequences, Proper Spinal Alignment, Spine, Steady Rest, Supine, Yoga For Seniors, Yoga Pose, Yoga Poses

Yoga is a traditional system of healing for the mind and body. It means union. It is a popular belief that yoga can cleanse your body of toxins and improve muscle tone, as well as help in blood circulation. Yoga was first originated in India, where it still remains a living tradition and is followed as a means to enlightenment. This spiritual practice has been evolving for more than 5,000 years now. In yoga there are many spiritual and physical exercises that are practiced to improve ones health and well being. It is very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more.

Healthy body and happiness:

It is a popular saying that a sound mind could lead to a healthy body. Everybody has the right to be happy. Happiness and peace comes from within. It depends on your thinking and also on your body. Your body’s health and your mind are directly related. Only if you have a healthy body will you be free from any physical pain, and your mind will not be disturbed. Without good health you cannot be completely at peace. In yoga various types of meditation are taught, and you are made to concentrate on your inner self. It helps to focus on positive thinking and push all the negative thoughts away. Every disease and sickness is considered nothing more than an imbalance in the natural harmony of the body and mind. Restoring this balance leads to true healing.

Yoga has become very popular worldwide. People are seeking for it, as they realize the importance of self-contentment and inner peace. Be it work pressure or health problems, yoga can help you see through it. Following yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation can relieve you from all pains and troubles. Yoga can also help you to lose weight. It lets you tune in, chill out, and shape up, all at the same time.

Health benefits of Yoga:

Yoga is said to be beneficial for healing many problems. Some of the benefits of yoga are:

• Helps to control anxiety
• Reduces stress
• Improves arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis
• Relieves asthma
• Controls blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy
• Combats chronic fatigue and depression
• Cures headaches, heart disease and multiple sclerosis
• Improves concentration and creativity
• Improves blood circulation
• Lowers fat
• Creates a sense of well being and calm

Risks:

It is very important to practice yoga under the supervision of an experienced and well-trained trainer; otherwise doing wrong exercises can sometimes worsen your problem and lead to complications. The best time to do yoga is said to be in the morning. Pregnant ladies can also do yoga, as it helps in easy delivery and helps lose weight post pregnancy.

Reach your goals:

Yoga means to unify all forms of life. It has a holistic approach to all aspects of life – physical, mental and spiritual life. Each person is considered a unique combination of body, mind and soul. It teaches the importance of maintaining harmony between the mind and the body. One can achieve happiness, contentment, liberation and enlightenment from the union with the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with Atman, the transcendent Self. With yoga, one can achieve these goals.

Paul MacIver is a contributing author for Information Spring – Visit www.guide-to-yoga.info where you can read more about yoga, yoga mats, yoga wear, and yoga equipment.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Technorati Tags: Anxiety, Arthritis, Blood Circulation, Enlightenment, Happiness, Headache Migraine, Health, India, Living Tradition, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Tone, Osteoporosis, Peace, Physical Exercises, Popular Belief, Pregnancy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spiritual Practice, Yoga