Yoga classes are a great way to stay active and healthy. Seniors can benefit from the exercise and breathing techniques, but they must avoid certain poses and styles of yoga to protect their bodies as they age. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 things seniors should avoid in yoga classes so that they don't injure themselves or aggravate pre-existing conditions.
6 Things Seniors Should Avoid in Yoga Classes
While older people can still reap the benefits of yoga, it's important they avoid certain poses and styles to protect their bodies as they age. The following are all things seniors should avoid when practicing yoga:
Avoid back bending too much
Loosening up the spine can help relieve pain caused by arthritis or slipped discs. However, doing so too much can lead to disc herniation and other injuries.
Deep twists
Deep spinal twists should be avoided, as they may cause damage to the discs in between vertebrae or tight muscles that could result in pinched nerves. If you experience pain when doing these poses, stop immediately and see your doctor.
Avoid poses that require you to lie on your stomach
Lying flat on your front can cause damage to the spine and even breathing if done for a long period. There are many exercises in yoga that one does standing or sitting, but seniors should avoid lying down when practicing. This is especially true for people with osteoporosis.
Inversion poses
Headstands, shoulder stands, and handstands can cause blood to rush to the head too quickly for people with heart problems or high blood pressure. If you have any of these conditions, speak with your doctor before attempting inverted postures like these. Some teachers may not allow seniors to perform inversion postures.
Headstand or shoulder stand
These poses are meant to stretch out your neck and upper back, but for seniors with osteoporosis, they could cause breaks in the spine. If you have bones that fracture easily, these poses should be avoided unless done under supervision by a qualified instructor who can help adjust the pose for your specific condition.
Downward facing dog
This position puts a lot of stress on the wrists and can cause injury if not done properly or with supervision from an instructor who knows how to modify the posture so that you are safe while practicing yoga. Those suffering from arthritis should also avoid this pose, as it will likely aggravate their condition.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the things seniors should avoid in yoga classes, but there are many other poses that could be harmful if not done correctly.
Be sure to speak with your instructor before class begins about any health conditions you have so they can help you modify the poses as needed. With a little caution and some guidance from an experienced teacher, seniors can enjoy the benefits of yoga for years to come.
We hope this article was helpful and provided some useful information on things seniors should avoid in yoga classes. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences. Namaste!
