Yoga is for Seniors

As we grow older, muscles and joints tighten causing discomfort and anxiety over physical well-being. The head and shoulders begin to slump and potbellies and dowager's humps begin to swell.
  
Stretching, deep breathing and relaxation techniques learned through yoga helps you to remain healthy and active.
 
You've worked so hard taking care of everyone else in your life that you forgot about yourself...until now. Well today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Now that your retired you can find time to devote to the body that carried you through so many years.
 
Take time to stretch.
 
Stretch your arms and legs out before you get out of bed. Circulation decreases during sleep. Get the chi flowing into those tight muscles and joints thru a wake-up routine..
 
Roll your ankles and awaken your feet before you step out of bed.
 
Lift your arms up overhead, out to the sides and stretch your fingers apart.. Fist your hand and rotate the wrists inward and outward.
 
This short workout pumps a lubricating substance into your joints to help maintain healthy function. Sinovial fluid is the name of this lubricating substance.
 
Client Comments
 
Pictured to the right is Dorothy Heinseimer, a retirement home resident. She shares her yoga experience with you thru the following:
 
Living in a retirement community, I started taking my first yoga classes about three years ago with Kareena. Yoga was a com-pletely new form of workout for me. 
 
Thru Kareena's gentle yoga program I learned the importance of deep breathing. Kareena taught me how to lift my chest and ribcage and breath from my diaphram. Deep breathing relieves tension and provides energy. 
 
Most is done sitting in an armchair. Every part of my body is exer-cised. ..shoulders, neck, hips, elbows, wrists fingers, knees, ankles, etc. And it all flows smoothly and rhythmically...like a dance. About the only thing I haven't learned to move is my ears
 
The standing stretches which fortunately I am able to do have improved my balance and co-ordination. Alternating motion between arms and legs makes me feel like I am dancing. Kareena is moving and explaining the reasons for the exercises all the time. Her instruction requires my full attention and makes me concentrate. This is good for me as I can become mentally lazy.
 
 
Kareena has taught me to be conscious of the anatomical separation of cervical, thoracic and pelvic discs to help improve posture and prevent osteoporosis. I have learned to hold my head correctly and focus strait ahead instead of looking down. I practice this daily to keep me from losing my bal-ance. By explaining the reason for each exercise, Kareena motivates the class. I work harder because I understand why we perform each movement.  
 

Reprinted with Permission
Kareena
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