Yoga is a popular pastime among people who want to maintain their mental and physical health. In addition to its amazing benefits for your muscles, bones, and joints, yoga is designed to be mentally soothing. Certain poses even increase blood flow to your brain.
One of the best things about yoga is the fact that anyone – from the brand-new beginner to the advanced athlete – can reap the benefits of regular practice. Even though yoga may tout some advanced poses, it also focuses heavily on the basics with simple, repetitive movements.
3 Poses You’ll Learn at Assisted Living Facilities in Jacksonville, FL
Looking to stay healthy and fit in your golden years? Many of the best CCRC Jacksonville, Florida options feature yoga classes to support all-around wellness for their residents.
Let’s take a look at three easy, senior-friendly poses that are sure to make you feel great in your body and mind!
1. Seated Forward Reach
The seated forward reach is a classic stretch that is used in yoga to lengthen the spine and target the hamstrings, calves, and feet. All you have to do is sit on your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you and slowly bend forward, focusing on keeping your back as straight as you can.
If you can’t reach your feet in this stretch, don’t worry! Simply grab a towel or belt, wrap it around your feet, and gently pull on either end as you lean into the stretch.
2. Bridge Pose
A yoga class at the best-assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, FL is sure to introduce the bridge pose to its students. This pose is easy to do while simultaneously building strength in your thighs, hamstrings, lower back, and even your shoulders, which can help you move more comfortably throughout your daily life.
Lying on your back on your mat, place your feet roughly shoulder-width apart and slowly lift from the hips, keeping the soles of your feet flat.
If you need extra support for this pose, you can tuck a folded blanket beneath your lower back.
The pose should feel relatively comfortable at first, but you’ll start to feel a good burn in your thighs and hamstrings as your muscles start to really work.
3. Easy Seated Pose
The easy seated pose may seem too simple to be effective, but in fact, this pose is quintessential to any yoga practice. This is because the easy seated pose is an efficient way to stretch the hips and groin area while also subtly building strength in the abdominal and back muscles over time.
Begin by sitting comfortably at the edge of your mat with your legs extended in front of you. Then, cross one shin over the other, slip your feet underneath the opposite knee, and rest your hands on your legs. If you need extra support, you can sit on top of a pillow or folded towel.
With these three easy poses, you can improve flexibility and encourage long-term health!