It is said that Yoga slows the aging process. Here are 4 reasons why you should consider practicing yoga now and continue to do so as you age.
Balance. The component of many yoga poses is balance. The ability to balance involves 
both your body and brain. By incorporating yoga into your weekly workout schedule you will improve your balance and reduce your chance of falling. 1 out of every 2 women and 1 out of every 4 men over 50 will suffer a fracture related to a fall. The balance poses practice in yoga will improve the communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, improving our agility.
Flexibility. Yoga creates flexibility. It will help reduce aches, pains and stiffness that comes with age. Yoga will increase spinal flexibility that if left unchecked, spines will shorten and round.
Strength. Yoga builds strength slowly and safely. Strong muscles increase increases bone density. Weight bearing poses like Downward Dog, Cobra and Plank, dramatically reduce the chance of fractures as you age.
Breathing. Yoga increases our lung’s capacity to bring in life force or Qi, as we turn our attention into our breath. Improving our ability to take in more air increases energy to all of our cells and helps us “get up and go” as we age. Proper breathing also improves digestion. Another distinct advantage of proper breathing is lower blood pressure.
Are you now motivated to add Yoga to your fitness regime now that you see the benefits? We hope so. Start today by finding a Yoga facility near you. Many will offer a couple of free sessions so that you can test out the location and the instructors.
Photo Credit: Shape Magazine