You probably know by now that the benefits of yoga are well documented. Countless studies show that yoga can be beneficial to older adults, helping to improve balance, increase mobility, ease pain, relieve depression, and reduce blood pressure. Have you tried it yet? If not, that’s understandable. For those who have never tried yoga, it can seem daunting and confusing. Here, we simplify it for you, with an explanation of some of the best types of yoga for seniors.
- Chair yoga is good for beginners and people with balance issues, chronic health conditions, or injuries. If you don’t feel comfortable on the floor or standing for long periods of time, chair yoga may be for you. With chair yoga, you perform yoga poses while sitting in a chair or standing but using a chair for support.
- Restorative yoga works for people recovering from injuries, as well as beginners and older athletes. Using props like yoga blocks, straps, and cushions, you will support your body through standing and floor poses. The focus is on stress relief rather than flowing from one pose to the next.
- Yin yoga is great for those with muscle stiffness or balance issues. Like restorative yoga, yin yoga is slow and meditative. There’s a focus on breathing into one posture or stretch for several minutes to target connective tissue, and all poses are done on the floor.
- Hatha yoga is for everyone. Expect basic, slower movements, more active than restorative yoga but less intense than vinyasa. Poses are paired with breathing exercises.
- Iyengar yoga is for eager beginners and perfectionists. This type of yoga is focused on precision, and gives you the opportunity to learn the proper technique for each pose.
- Vinyasa yoga is for intermediate or advanced yogis. This dynamic practice provides more cardiovascular and muscle strengthening benefits than other styles of yoga.
- Ashtanga yoga is similar to vinyasa. The difference is that more focus is on practicing the same poses for the same length of time at each class.
At Parkwood Heights, we prioritize the health and happiness of our residents, and that includes encouraging them to enrich their lives through exercise. We want our residents to live life to the fullest, as they enjoy all the amenities that make Parkwood a great place to live their best lives. Services can include Case Management and Medication Management for Seniors. A lovely community in which to spend your retirement, Parkwood Heights is located just minutes from Victor, Fairport, Farmington, and Canandaigua. Our picturesque, 122-acre senior living campus affords many opportunities to enjoy your time with friends while enjoying our scenic setting. Call (315) 986-9100 to learn more about all that we have to offer, or check out our website and reach out if you have any questions.
