Here are a few of the many benefits of adaptive Yoga using chairs, Yoga bolsters, blocks & blankets etc.
Photo above: Seated Cow & Cat flowing Yoga movements to increase spine mobility.
Yoga has been shown to improve overall health, prevent and (even in some cases) reverse disease when practiced regularly. Here are some of the benefits of adaptive Yoga :
- Improved Strength – Yoga practice strengthens muscles in a functional way, attending to every area of the body, balancing strength with flexibility. If you fall or injure yourself, a strong body will be able to withstand this better and sustain fewer injuries. In addition to strengthening muscles, Yoga appears to build endurance and delay the onset of fatigue.
- Improved Flexibility – Yoga increases flexibility of muscles and increases range of movement in different joints. It can help those with mobility challenges to undertake activities that they have perhaps been unable to, such as pick things up or getting up and down from the floor.
- Improved proprioception – Proprioception is the skill of knowing where your body is in space, and coordinating your movements accurately. This is particularly important for vulnerable people and can prevent falls. For people with disabilities or painful conditions, it may mean having greater control over your body and its movements.
- Improves Balance – Yoga helps you use your body in an overall more balanced way, left to right and front to back, to help minimize muscle imbalances that can lead to falls and injuries. Yoga also balances our emotions and simple practices help us to feel more connected in life.
- Reduced stress and improved mental clarity – Yoga can lessen the impact of chronic illnesses and pain. It may also help you cope with feelings of isolation. Being calmer and more relaxed inevitably leads to a greater feeling of happiness and well-being.
- Opportunities to meet people and socialize – Joining Yoga classes when you have mobility challenges will also give you a venue to socialize and make friends. It’s important that you choose an appropriate class so that the instructor will have specific knowledge about suitably adapting the Yoga practice.
- Improved stress and pain management – Yoga includes breathing practices and meditation, which can help people manage their stress and pain. Through meditation and paying attention to your breath, you can help your body and mind to cope with the pain of an illness or condition you may suffer with.
- Improved sleep – Yoga poses and relaxation techniques help you to reach a state of complete relaxation and rest. The mobilisation of joints and stretching of all the muscles brings a sense of balance and well-being, as well as awareness of the body. This helps with sleep, because once you know how to release your hips and relax your shoulders, you can let go of unwanted tension in the body.
For more information about Yoga contact Linda Ellis at Yoga For Movement on 07909 621730 or email linda@YogaForMovement.com
