Yoga offers significant and wide ranging health benefits at all ages, but there are benefits to practicing yoga over the age of 40. Taking a greater interest in general health and longevity is common after age 40 and yoga is the perfect way to start on a path toward healthier living.
As we age, aches and pains become more common and yoga offers relief of many of these aches and pains. In addition, yoga helps to strengthen the muscles and joints, which helps to maintain mobility and flexibility over the coming decades.
A significant benefit of yoga is that the practice can be modified to fit the needs, abilities and challenges of the individual. There are classes and DVD practices that are specifically designed for people over 40, 50, 60 and even older.
There are many types of yoga and selecting the right one for you is important to achieving your goals. For example, hatha yoga is the most common form of yoga and is a good choice as we age. Hatha yoga uses props and modifications of the asanas, so the practice is easily adapted to meet changing physical requirements.
However, if you prefer to explore the spiritual aspects of yoga or want to incorporate meditation in your practice, you may want a yoga practice with a greater emphasis on the spiritual aspects of yoga.
Regardless of the type of yoga you decide to practice, your choice of a teacher is important. You want a teacher that is able to modify the practice to fit your needs and follows the non competitive philosophy that is central to yoga. This may seem obvious, but in some yoga fitness classes there is a greater focus on weight loss and progress than in the journey.
As we age, developing certain health conditions becomes more likely. If you have high blood pressure, arthritis or other health conditions, consult with your doctor before beginning your yoga practice. Your doctor can give you guidelines and recommendations based on your specific health needs.