In this rather crazy life, we are constantly connected to the world around us and beyond, and rarely away from some type of electronic device. But an important element to our happiness and our physical health is to be able to unwind and disconnect.
When we were younger, we may have pictured our 50s and beyond as a time when we would start to slow down a little and enjoy life — but that seems to be about as far from the truth as possible.
The difference now is that we are better at saying no to things we don’t really want to do, and yes to things that make us happy.
One of the things we need to be saying yes to is the practice of yoga. As we enter our fifth decade and beyond, yoga can be a very smart thing to incorporate into our wellness routine. Not only can it improve back issues, arthritis issues and flexibility issues, it can also be healing to body and mind.
Loren Fishman, the medical director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Manhattan, has written several books on this very subject. He recommends yoga to his patients for osteoporosis prevention and management, as well as back pain. His books include "Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis," "Yoga for Arthritis" and "Yoga for Osteoporosis," to name a few.
In 2005, Fishman started a study in which 117 participants had a pre-study DEXA scan to determine bone density, then were prescribed two years of 10 yoga postures to practice consistently. After the two years were up, participants were tested again for bone density to determine if there were improvements. Of the ones who complied with the consistent yoga practice, there was vast improvement.
According to Cheryl Moody, a local yoga expert who has practiced her craft in countries all around the world, "Yoga is like pouring warm olive oil into your joints to make them feel less stiff and more lubricated."
In her classes, she often sees many people for the first time after an injury, or just as the aging process and the normal wear and tear of being over 50 are rearing their ugly heads. Moody says that we can all see great benefits even from one class.
Her recommendation for someone just starting out is to try a home video from Gaiam.com. Her favorite video guru is Rodney Yee, who has several beginner videos for sale.
When Moody teaches a class, she said she will often gear the workout toward the beginners, using just primary moves. (Moody teaches yoga at the Anniston YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m., and at the Oxford YMCA on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.)
Whether you like attending classes or doing your fitness at home, there are options for that. And guess what? There are apps for that too! From Pocket Yoga to 101 Yoga Poses and yes, Yoga for Beginners.
What better way to take care of our bodies than with a low-impact, body-and-mind workout that can improve joint flexibility, sense of well-being and relieve back pain?
Instructor Cheryl Moody teaches a yoga class at the Oxford YMCA.
Photo by Bill Wilson / The Anniston Star
Ann Angell is a certified instructor and personal trainer and manager of the Oxford YMCA. And she’s over 50. "Fitness over 50"
The Anniston Star