As we age, we oftentimes turn out attention towards less strenuous exercises in order to stay fit and healthy. You might want to consider to learn yoga, as it’s a great way to exercise if you’re a Baby Boomer.
Once upon a time, getting old meant you stopped your physical activity and started rocking on the veranda . Fast forward, today we know to take care of ourselves through proper nutrition and exercise and realize that we don’t have to stop moving just because we’ve been fortunate enough to have quite a few candles on our birthday cake. After all, every day above ground is a good day!
The fitness craze is one trend that is patronized by both the young and the not-so-young. Just one look around a fitness gym shows that age is not a factor in keeping in shape; there are people of all ages taking fitness classes and working out.
Baby boomers (the generation born between the years 1946 through 1964) were actually responsible for the start of the health and fitness clubs around the U.S. in the 1970s. We did all forms of physical activity back then, such as aerobic classes and gym workouts, and we still continue to exercise today.
With yoga, the exercise focuses on stretching, breathing methods, and relaxation. It’s considered low impact exercise and doesn’t put as much stress on the bones and muscles. This is not to say that yoga is easy. Even though the stretching aspects of yoga are very beneficial, there is more to it than just stretching. Each pose learned has a specific physical benefit.
The relaxation and breathing techniques are a big part of yoga, and practicing these techniques can lower blood pressure and help relieve stress. Yoga exercise can be very effective in promoting better heart health because of the relaxation and stress relieving aspects.
Yoga Works
Yoga works for everyone, but it’s a great way for baby boomers to get their exercise. It is an efficient way to build strength and gain flexibility. It is even more effective than an aerobics class for building stamina and controlled breathing.
Yoga is considered a union of mind, body, and spirit. It can lead to peace of mind and a positive spirit which can help ward off depression, an all too common occurrence in middle-aged people. In addition, yoga may stave off osteoporosis, and have a positive effect on the internal organs, digestive system, nervous system, menopausal symptoms, and headaches.
To get started with yoga, it is perhaps best to join a class. There are many different yoga positions for beginners so you may need to try a couple of different yoga classes to find a teacher who resonates with you. You can also find a yoga for beginners dvd or Nintendo Wii Fit Yoga bundle that you can play and follow along on your home system. There are also online yoga classes that can show you how to do each of the poses.
Many towns offer beginning yoga classes through their Park and Recreation, Adult Education departments, or Senior Centers. My town offers yoga classes for ages 16 and up. Classes are 1-1/4 hours and meet one day per week for basic and intermediate level for the semester. The cost of registration is usually discounted and quite reasonable for town residents.
Learn the basics, increase strength, vitality and flexibility, and reduce stress and relax while toning your body and mind.
The jury verdict is in; yoga helps us get our exercise without heavy impact, which takes its toll on our aging bodies, and offers many positive benefits such as better heart health stress relief, and gives you greater flexibility.
Go ahead and give it a try!
c. 2011 Frugal New England Kitchen
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I took a yoga class in college and loved it. With the chronic pain issues that I have, this sounds like something I can do as an exercise program.
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Very true! The fitness center we visit even offers a new class in water Yoga. It is so easy and I feel wonderful afterward. I think we baby-boomers are living longer than ever because of these fitness centers and enjoying life more. I remember when 50 was OLD. But now there are 80 year-olds that can swim and work out far beyond what you would imagine. Not all that good health is due to medicine!
I’ve tried yoga from what I read on the book and internet but haven’t been to a real yoga class. Guess it’s time for me to do it on 2011?
Hey thanks for sharing. Have a happy new year to you and your family! 
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