bikram yoga

Flexibility is considered to be a “by product” of Yoga practice
but in the case of Chair Yoga
it is often “down played” or taken for granted. Since most Chair Yoga enthusiasts are seniors
the true value of flexibility is mobility.
When you consider that mobility for seniors can be the difference between dependence and independence
flexibility is now of extreme value.

The following is an observation I have made after working with groups from assisted living complexes
adult day care centers
nursing homes
and seniors centers. The average mobile senior citizen is much more flexible in the hips
spine
wrists
and shoulders
than his or her dependent counterpart.

Just crossing the legs can be difficult for the clients I work with in a nursing home. Students in Chair Yoga classes learn a variety of exercises that will “free up” many of the major joints. Many students also remark how pain
from a variety of ailments
is much more manageable
after practicing Chair Yoga.

Increased range of motion makes a difference
when reaching for anything. It also helps to prevent injuries that can occur from strain or a possible fall. If a senior falls
there is certainly the potential that the results could be life threatening.

Chair Yoga offers a significant number of balancing exercises. Although balance can be affected by medication
inner ear problems
and more
many seniors show much improvement in balancing their bodies within weeks of their first Chair Yoga class. Therefore
flexibility and balance are a significant part of an injury prevention package that can improve
or enhance
the quality of life for seniors. This fact has been realized by seniors who flock to Chair Yoga classes on a daily
or weekly
basis.

Most of us realize that physical conditioning is not the only factor involved in dependence. There are a number of disabling diseases that can affect any one of us and have nothing to do with lack of flexibility. Lack of flexibility is not the single overriding factor involved in independence for seniors.

However
it is a fact that less mobile
and frail
seniors will become confined.
Hence
most seniors should make an effort to stay flexible
for what is ultimately their own dignity at stake. You could look at your physical condition as an insurance policy for independent living. After all
who really wants to impose on their children or relatives for the sake of existence?