Yoga Tips for your Age and Lifestyle
It doesn’t matter if you’re 26 or well past 60, you can do yoga. There is a reason this type of exercise has been around for thousands of years, and that is because it improves flexibility, strengthens the body, and clears the mind. Now that you are retired, there is no excuse not to try it. If you’ve ever been curious about yoga, or if you are just ready to make changes to your routine, the tips below can push you in the right direction.
Set Some Goals
First things first, you will make more progress if you set a goal for yourself. Even if it is something as simple as learning how to do the Downward Dog, having an opportunity to mark off milestones will encourage and motivate you. Use your phone to define goals by the week and by the month. Many goal-setting apps are free.
Another way to monitor your progress is through a fitness tracker or smartwatch. For instance, the Apple Watch SE has metrics that can track your yoga routine, and it also plays music and alerts you if your heartbeat is irregular. Smartwatches can also track calories that you burn.
Practice in Privacy
Perhaps you are self-conscious about the way you move or you don’t like being in a crowded room. Whatever the reason, when taking classes is hindering your progress, set yourself up a spot in the living room to practice solo. If you don’t have a way to connect to the internet from your TV, look for a smart TV that will allow you to watch YouTube instructors. While this is a potentially significant expense, there are plenty of websites that can help you shop for the absolute best electronics and tech deals.
Take It One Minute at a Time
One of the best things about doing yoga at home is that you can go at your own pace. Give yourself the okay to stretch, bend, and balance for as little as seven minutes. Once you are ready, you can increase your time and the intricacy of your yoga poses.
Add Accessories
Yoga is all about very specific movements. You must learn how to align your body in ways that might not feel natural. But you don’t have to do it without help. The Body Window explains that using a yoga block to steady yourself can bolster your performance, which will, in turn, improve your enthusiasm on the mat. If you find it difficult to maneuver up and down off the floor, you can also do modified poses using a chair, ottoman, or another sturdy piece of furniture for support.
Dress the Part
It is understandable if you don’t want to wear tight leggings and tank tops just to exercise. While this may be the uniform of choice for twenty-somethings, there are plenty of affordable clothing options that suit a mature mindset. Brands like Athleta cater to the young and the young at heart with comfortable and breathable, moisture-wicking athletic wear for any style.
Quit Comparing
By now, you have probably stopped comparing your income and professional success to your neighbors. But that does not mean that you don’t have self-doubts when trying something new. While yoga does not have to be difficult, if you have never exercised before and are not super flexible, there will be challenges. Although, as Shine’s James Berges points out, comparing ourselves to others is virtually ingrained in our DNA. However, all it will do is hinder your progress in the long term when it’s time to move forward.
You are in the prime of your life. You are not obligated to a timeclock, and your children don’t rely on you for support. It is time to let yourself enjoy retirement — wellness included. Yoga can help you keep your mind and body fit, but it is up to you to keep your routine interesting.
Certified Homecare Consulting, a company that helps entrepreneurs launch certified and accredited healthcare businesses, is proud to offer more senior lifestyle tips on their blog.
Image via Pixabay
