People have been practicing yoga for more than 5,000 years. The many physical and mental benefits of yoga have aided in its longevity. But another thing that has kept people practicing for thousands of years is how accessible it is.
Anyone, regardless of age, weight, height, or even physical abilities, can practice yoga. That’s because yoga is incredibly adaptable. With so many different styles to choose from and modifications for nearly every pose and position, it’s possible to find a yoga class that perfectly fits your abilities and skill level.
Individuals of all ages can benefit from practicing yoga. But older adults, in particular, can benefit from the low-impact exercise. Yoga is great for improving flexibility, relieving pain, reducing stress, and more. Other forms of exercise may be uncomfortable or even dangerous for seniors. Yoga offers an outlet that they can more readily enjoy.
If you’re thinking about giving yoga a try for the first time or returning after many years, Sun Rock Yoga offers a variety of beginner-friendly and accessible yoga classes. Keep reading to learn a few of the best beginner yoga classes for seniors.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga is one of the best yoga classes for seniors, as well as one of the best beginner-friendly yoga classes for people of all ages. This modified form of yoga is performed while seated or while leaning on a chair for support. This type of class is particularly low-impact and can be enjoyed by those with some limited mobility.
Seniors who struggle to kneel or get up and down off the floor are able to complete the entire class without having to rise or sit any further than a regular height chair. During this class, you’ll focus on gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and relaxation and mindfulness techniques. While it may be modified, Chair Yoga still offers the same benefits as other types of yoga, including improved flexibility and posture and a chance to relax and release tension and stress.
Even if you don’t have limited mobility, a Chair Yoga class can be a great introduction to yoga, and help you begin to build the strength and flexibility to enjoy other forms of yoga.
Restore Yoga
When looking for the best beginner yoga classes for seniors, the last thing that you want to do is sign up for a class that’s too advanced or fast-paced. A fast-paced AM Power Yoga class, for instance, might not be a great option for anyone trying yoga for the first time. But there are other types of flow-based classes that can make for good beginner yoga classes for seniors.
During a Restore Yoga class, for instance, you’ll move slowly from one pose to the next. This class is designed to be deeply relaxing and therapeutic and requires you to hold poses for an extended period to deepen the stretch. The slower pace can be helpful for those just learning yoga, as it will give you a chance to make adjustments and get comfortable with each new movement. Restore Yoga is particularly beneficial to seniors experiencing chronic pain, high-stress levels, or limited mobility.
Yoga Foundations
Another popular beginner-friendly class at Sun Rock Yoga is Yoga Foundations. As the name suggests, this class is designed to teach students of all ages and abilities the foundations of yoga. You’ll learn the basics, including common poses, how to move safely from one pose to the next, how to breathe mindfully, and more.
While the focus might be on learning the basics, you’ll still enjoy the full yoga experience. The class moves at a slower pace than an AM Power Yoga or even a Mindful Flow, but you’ll still get a chance to practice your breathwork and start laying the foundations for building strength and stamina.
Mindful Flow
If you’ve already tried yoga in the past or are familiar with many common poses and want to try a flow class, Mindful Flow is a great choice. This beginner and senior-friendly class is another slower-paced option. It gives you a chance to practice your alignment and breathing in a low-pressure environment. Mindful Flow classes are particularly great for finding your inner peace and letting go of stress and tension.
Another thing that a Mindful Flow class is great for is beginning to increase your strength. Like many types of yoga, this class will include many positions that focus on core strength. This is something that individuals of all ages, but particularly older adults, can benefit from.
Choosing the Best Beginner Yoga Classes for Seniors
Yoga is a gentle, yet powerful exercise that offers numerous physical and mental benefits for people of all ages. For senior citizens, in particular, yoga can be an excellent way to improve flexibility, balance, and overall health and well-being. And with a little research, finding the best beginner yoga classes for seniors is easy.
Each of the yoga classes on this list offers a safe, enjoyable experience for individuals of all ages and abilities. This includes older adults that are brand new to yoga.
If you’re starting your search for “beginner yoga near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Sun Rock Yoga offers each of the above beginner yoga classes for seniors. We also offer a variety of other yoga and pilates classes. In addition to classes, Sun Rock Yoga Retreats are open to yogis of all ages and at all stages of their yoga journey. These retreats are a great way to jumpstart your practice. Or, to enjoy a deeper immersion into the teachings of yoga.
If you’ve been looking for the “best yoga and pilates studio near me,” check out our class schedule today to find the right one for you. New students can take advantage of our 30 for $30 pass. This pass includes 30 days of yoga classes at our Sun Rock studio for just $30. This pass is a great way to try out a few different classes to find the ones you like best!