How Seniors Affordably Maintain Yoga Practice At Home
Seniors and yoga go hand in hand. This ancient and gentle exercise routine holds a host of health benefits for older adults. But it’s not always easy to get to class, and building a full home studio might be cost-prohibitive. If you’re a senior looking for ways to keep up with your favorite yogi or yogini, keep reading for tips and ideas that won’t smash your savings. Continue reading to learn more about how seniors affordably maintain yoga practices at home.
Invest In New Tools
You do not have to have a full arsenal of gear to practice yoga. What you do need are a few basic tools and a little bit of technology. Start with a basic yoga mat. This is especially important if you’re practicing on hard surfaces like hardwood, laminate, or tile floors. Not only will your mat be more comfortable, but will provide some protection as you move from a sitting or lying to a standing position. You can pick up a yoga mat at Academy Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, or Target for $20 or less.
Next, look into downloading a few yoga apps or videos on your smartphone or computer. If you don’t have a laptop, Lenovo has an excellent lineup of senior-friendly models and even offers special pricing for those 50+. To keep more money in your pocket, look for additional Lenovo discounts online before making your selection.
Since you will be working on your yoga at home, don’t be afraid to try new things. There are plenty of online tutorials catered to older adults, with videos on yoga for arthritis and lengthy instructions on how to begin or return to a yoga practice when you’re 55 and older.
Use What You’ve Got
If you simply don’t have the funds to invest in a mat or new technology, you already have everything you need to sneak in a few yoga workouts at home. Chair yoga, for example, which DailyCaring advocates for seniors, allows you to stretch and bend without straining your body. As long as you have comfortable clothing, you can participate in chair yoga. Ask your caregiver for assistance if you need help with balance while doing yoga or any other exercise; they may even want to make yoga a part of their own self-care plan and practice with you.
Other Yoga Gear To Consider
When you do you have a small amount of extra money, there are other items that can greatly enhance your yoga experience. These include yoga blocks, a towel, and, if you are a woman, a specially-designed bra built just for exercise. A fitness watch will help you keep up with your routine; don’t be afraid to buy an inexpensive model. You do not need to spend $150 or more on a FitBit or Apple Watch just to keep up with your heart rate and activity level.
Benefits Of Yoga For Seniors
Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, 70s (or beyond) maintaining a regular yoga practice is a great choice for your health. Not only does yoga improve balance, but it also works to keep your mind sharp and your mood elevated. One of the biggest perks of yoga for seniors is that it keeps the joints lubricated, which is a boon towards staving off arthritis. American Senior Communities notes that yoga can even help with your sleep and reduce stress levels. All of these work together to keep you healthy, and that can mean fewer visits to your doctor, which results in more time and money you can devote to living your best life.
Yoga is a wonderful exercise for people of all ages. But when you don’t have the time or money to get to class, you have to get a little creative. It takes drive and determination, but doing yoga doesn’t have to be a significant financial strain. By investing in the basics and using what you already have, you can enjoy a successful workout session in the comfort of your own home.