How Yoga can keep you Younger

By Sarah Rodrigues

Getting older has plenty going for it - having grandchildren for starters! - but sometimes, like on the days when you've spotted another grey hair or another wrinkle, it can be hard to stay positive about the approach of the autumn years.

It's a fact that with ageing comes some deterioration of the body, so unfortunately, as well as the cosmetic aspect of it (and how many of us can honestly claim not to care about that?) there is greater susceptibility to problems like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stiffness and arthritis. That's why now, more than ever, you need to stay fit and healthy.

At the same time, you need to choose your exercise regime with a nod to the fact that high-impact sports like running may not be the best suited to your circumstances anymore. Walking, swimming and yoga are far better options because they tone and condition the body without putting unnecessary strain on your joints.

Exercise has loads of positive benefits for your state of mind, too: it releases endorphins, which are basically a 'feel good' hormone guaranteed to lift your spirits. Again, yoga is one of the most advantageous forms of exercise in this respect, since it works on mind and body alike, inducing a state of relaxation and calm, while strengthening and toning. A great deal of research has been conducted on the practice of yoga and why it's so good for us, including one US study which showed that this form of exercise can alleviate the symptoms of menopause, decreasing the negative moods which are so often associated with hormonal changes.

It's also been shown to improve strength and flexibility, as well as to help regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Other benefits include controlling weight, aiding rest and even reducing the risk of heart disease. In fact, a Yale University School of Medicine study showed that practicing yoga for 90 minutes three times a week can improve the health of your heart in as little as six weeks, with researchers concluding that this was due to the fact that it's such a stress-buster. For those of us with lower back pain, yoga increases the range of motion in the hips, which can alleviate the problem: this is one of the reasons why yoga is also recommended for pregnant women (so tell your daughter or daughter-in-law!)

Yoga can also be invaluable as we get older because of the mobility problems that can develop as our bodies age. Oh my aching bones! With gorgeous grandchildren growing up and becoming increasingly active, the last thing we want is to not be able to keep up with them. Yoga aids strength, endurance, flexibility and balance - all of which are very useful when dealing with young children.

As we age, it's not unusual to want to take up new hobbies, which will not only expand our horizons, but also introduce us to new people and potentially enable us to form new friendships. In this way, yoga (or virtually any other form of exercise) can have benefits beyond the purely physical side of things, so join a class, rather than relying on books or videos, to get the most of it. After all, exposure to new people and ideas is something that will help to keep us young!

On that note, a word of caution: yoga is an ancient form of exercise with many different forms and disciplines, not all of which may be suitable for the needs of older women. Just as pregnant women need to make sure that they are properly guided through which postures are appropriate for them and their circumstances, you need to ensure that you are properly aware of what is suitable for you. The best way of doing this is to find a qualified practitioner or instructor who is experienced in teaching a form of yoga that is suitable for your age group. Even if you only do a series of six or so classes, it will give you a grounding in the techniques that will be most beneficial for you. See below for a list of contacts to help you start your search (these sites can also be found in our useful links box above), or contact your local gym or leisure centre;

The British Wheel of Yoga. A registered charity and the largest yoga organization in the country, this is the governing body for yoga in Great Britain. All teachers listed on this site are BWY-accredited.

The Yoga Shop. Find a teacher, keep up to date on events, shows and workshops and buy yoga equipment such a mats, clothing and books.

Local Yoga Classes. As well as being able to search for teachers and classes by area and discipline, you can buy all the gear that you need, if you decide that yoga is for you.

All About Yoga. This site has a useful Q&A section - just post a question and it will be answered by a qualified yoga teacher - a great way of finding out more about what type of yoga is best for you before you commit to a class or course.

.

about us | contact us | site guide | business | t&c | privacy | logo by Motif | © grannynet.co.uk ltd 2008. All rights reserved.