Yoga for adult fitness

(October 12, 2011)

i want to know if there is any asana for anti - aging, reducing weight and for being beautiful

Yoga For Adults

It is vital to understand the importance of yoga for older adults with respect to leading a healthy life with progressing age. As we grow older we become more susceptible to diseases, movement restrictions and other health issues. Regular practice of adult yoga not only helps in alleviating several health related challenges but also slows down the process of aging. However while learning or teaching yoga for seniors there are certain important things that need to be kept in mind. It is very important to be aware of the health problems that older adults in the class may be facing. Depending on the current health status of the individual certain yoga asanas may be recommended or prohibited. While teaching yoga for seniors the length of time for holding each yoga posture should be reduced as older people may not have the strength to hold poses for very long. While practicing yoga for elderly people props and support structures can be used to get the correct balance and body alignment. This is also very important for offering support to the joints and protecting them. Regular practice of yoga for adults with special needs is very helpful in overcoming their physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

Individual’s who suffer from Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, amputations and other disabilities can greatly benefit from the various asanas in yoga. The breathing techniques and poses in yoga can be modified to suit the individual needs of people with disabilities. There are a number of benefits of yoga for adults which can be achieved through the regular practice of yoga. Older individuals generally find it harder to fall asleep due to age related factors and also certain medications and drugs. The relaxation techniques and breathing exercises taught in yoga can help solve problems of insomnia and sleep disturbances. Yoga is also very helpful in increasing muscle and overall body strength. The stretching exercises in yoga help improve flexibility and are therefore very beneficial to adults suffering from conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. People who suffer from hypertension and diabetes can also benefit from practicing yoga regularly. Yoga asanas help in regulating blood sugar levels, improving blood circulation and also regulating blood pressure thereby treating diabetes and hypertension issues. Other issues like chronic pain, mood swings, weight problems and breathing difficulties can also be cured with the help of yoga.

While practicing yoga for seniors poses such as Sukhasana (easy pose), Bidalasana (cat pose), Adho Mukha Shvanasana (downward facing dog pose), Shalabhasana (locust pose), Pavanamuktasana (wind relieving pose) and Savasana (corpse pose) are considered to be safe and effective. The best and easiest form of seated yoga for seniors is the Sukhasana. This is a cross legged posture where an individual is completely at ease. This asana not only helps relax the body and mind but also helps in correcting the body posture which generally takes a beating with progressing age. The Adho Mukha Shvanasana (downward facing dog pose) is an important asana in yoga for senior citizens as it helps treat problems like hypertension, asthma, arthritis and sciatica. Menopausal women can also benefit from this posture as it helps in overcoming depression and stress and rejuvenates the mind. Chair yoga poses for seniors such as ankle rotations, elbow rotations, shoulder rotations, neck rotations, bends and twists, cat stretches, seated arm and leg raises, knee raises, leg extensions and spinal twists are ideal for older people with physical disabilities. This is a form of gentle yoga for seniors which can be practiced in the comfort of their own home and provides the same benefits as the regular yoga asanas.

Submitted by A on October 12, 2011 at 01:27