Yoga is one of the most popular workouts in the United States. This is thanks in part to the fact that it’s easily adaptable to almost any lifestyle or physical needs, as well as because it’s so beneficial for the mind and body. It’s a low-impact way to get your heart rate up, gain flexibility and balance, and work on strength and muscle tone. Ace Fitness notes that it’s also easy on the joints, which means many seniors can easily create a yoga workout that helps them manage pain.
If you’ve been meaning to give it a try, or if you already have a routine but want to punch it up a bit, there are several simple things you can do to ensure you can maximize your exercise plan. From incorporating tools like a stability ball to looking for a nearby class that will help you stay motivated, there are many ways to boost your routine and make the most of it. You can also think about how technology might help you during your sessions, or how to incorporate more of a mental health angle, such as learning to meditate. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Read on for some helpful tips from SwellWomen on how to boost your yoga workouts and turn your exercise routine into an activity that you can easily maintain.
Take a Class That Meets Your Needs
Yoga can be challenging for many people, but attending a class can help you figure out the right poses and how to perform them safely. If you’re not comfortable attending a yoga class in your neighborhood, or if you can’t afford one, consider using online videos that can help you learn some simple poses. Many are free or low-cost, and you have the added benefit of being able to pause or rewind when you want to revisit a posture. Most of these programs also make it easy to gradually progress your skills.
Use the Right Tools
Yoga is all about being in touch with your body and your breathing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a few tools to help you get the most out of the workout. Gymventures.com explains that an exercise ball can help you learn balance and stability, while a yoga bolster — which is like a body pillow that comes in different shapes — can aid in giving you the right posture or creating relaxation. These are often used with prenatal yoga but can be very helpful for beginners, seniors, or individuals who have an injury or disability.
Practice On the Go
Yoga is one of the best exercises for people who lead busy lifestyles, as it’s easy to practice just about anywhere. However, you can make your practice even easier by downloading an app, such as The Underbelly, on your phone that will help you learn the poses and stay motivated even when you’ve got a lot going on. There are many different kinds to choose from according to what your needs are; for instance, some are more focused on helping to strengthen a certain part of the body, so read up on the options before making a decision.
Create a Quiet Spot in Your Home
One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga is that it is often combined with meditation to help boost your mental health, but it can be difficult to find that quiet place in order to bring a little calmness into your day. Creating a quiet area at home where you can practice each day can help you focus and relax so you can reduce stress and keep your workout easy to maintain. What’s more, the upgrade can even increase the value of your home, offering the amenity of a multipurpose room that many homebuyers treasure, should you decide to sell one day.
Enhance your space with crystals or meditation candles, a mat, maybe a few plants, and a wireless speaker to add soft music or calming sounds. Don’t forget to let in as much natural light as possible, which will definitely brighten the mood. This may require regular window washing, which can always be farmed out to pros in your area. Finding a reputable and affordable window cleaner near you is easy thanks to Angi.com, which will help narrow your search and provide customer reviews and direct contacts.
Boosting your yoga workout doesn’t have to cost a ton of money or cause stress. There are many simple things you can do to make your exercise routine as beneficial as possible, and by doing so, you can stay motivated and committed to your yoga program.
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