By: Tamara Ortegel, Yoga Instructor
Yoga is one of the most popular exercises for women over 50. According to a 2016 Forbes article, over 80 million people try Yoga at least once. Of this 80 million, over 70% are women, and most have been practicing for less than 5 years. These astounding numbers make a lot of sense when you start to consider the many benefits Yoga has.
Living the Yoga life means much more than hitting the gym a few times a week. Yoga is designed to foster the mind, body, and spirit. While fabulous women can enjoy the benefits of working out, such as increased flexibility or a boost in energy, Yoga is more about developing the right state of mind. As you stretch and hold asanas, you will feel control over your body; helping you relax.
Yoga is not just an Exercise, it’s a Lifestyle
Tamara Ortegel, a local Yoga instructor, says that these poses help people get in touch with their spiritual side.
By drawing inward, we can get to know ourselves on a deeper, more spiritual level. We can an observe our thoughts and our actions to see if they align with who we strive to be. Through yoga and meditation, many people come to understand that their misperceptions cause them suffering and are able to work through issues to achieve greater health and happiness.
Dozens of Health Benefits
Like any new activity, practicing Yoga can help women feel and look fabulous. According to the American Osteopathic Association, a Yoga routine brings the following physical benefits:
- Improved muscle strength
- Increased flexibility
- Weight loss
- Boosted energy
- Improved circulatory health
These benefits are available from other forms of exercise, but what makes Yoga unique is the focus on the breath. Your Yoga instructor will encourage slow, controlled breaths during practice. This allows you to remain calm. By promoting a calm mind when doing strenuous stretches, you can teach yourself to control your breathing in other stressful situations, allowing you to gain clarity.
Who Should Practice Yoga
According to Tamara, “Yoga is great for anyone interested in self-discovery.” The growing Yoga trend reflects more people trying to find clarity in their hectic lives. While the health benefits of exercise are hard to ignore, adapting the lifestyle goes beyond weight loss or muscle strength.
How to Get Started with Yoga
There are several ways people can get started practicing Yoga. While exercise videos and online tutorials can help you learn, classroom exercises with an instructor are extremely effective. Because Yoga is more about finding yourself and clearing your mind, don’t be afraid to do whatever is more comfortable. Many people try Yoga at home before signing up for a weekly class or practice solo due to time restraints. The choice is yours.
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