Regular exercise can have a positive impact on physical health, as well as mental and emotional well-being, by providing more energy and increased self-confidence.
As a person ages, mobility and balance tend to decrease as the body weakens. Mobility is crucial for seniors as it aids in balance, coordination, and concentration, allowing for independence and engagement in physical activities.
The main causes of mobility loss include lack of exercise, strength or balance issues, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
It is recommended that seniors aged 65 and older engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Benefits associated with improved mobility include:
- Improved cardiovascular health.
- Prevention of bone degradation.
- Reduced risk of injury.
- Improved balance and strength.
- Lowered risk of falling.
- Increased social opportunities.
- Help in weight loss.
- Better sleep and mood.
- Increase confidence.
Below you can read about Yoga and Pilates, two sports that we selected because we believe that they help with balance, coordination, and concentration. As well is also a good time to relax and enjoy time with friends.
Yoga is a practice that connects the body, mind, and breath. With regular yoga practice, it is possible to improve strength, flexibility, persistence, calmness, and well-being. There are many types of yoga, such as:
- Ashtanga: Poses and sequences that rapidly connect every movement to breath, focusing on physical strength and muscle training.
- Yin: Focuses on stretching and relaxation rather than strength building. Usually, it is a good start for yoga practice.
- Hatha: A slow and more static practice focusing on posture, breath, meditation, and mindfulness.
- Iyengar: Focuses on finding the correct alignment in each pose with the help of mats, blocks, belts, bolsters, straps, and blankets.
Pilates is a low-intensity full-body workout that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and muscle tone.
Benefits of Yoga and Pilates:
- Improved balance and physical coordination.
- Increased strength and endurance.
- Better breathing.
- Improved flexibility and mobility.
- Balanced muscular strength on both sides of the body.
- Better posture.
- Increased body awareness.
For the practice of Yoga and Pilates, it is recommended to have a well-trained instructor to guide the practice. Some people may need to change or avoid certain poses to prevent the risk of serious injury.
Overall, Yoga focuses more on flexibility and working broad muscle groups, while also helping with endurance and strength. Pilates focuses on body control, core strength, and muscle toning.
Take a lot in our other posts in https://cheshirelaterlifehub.co.uk/mobility-products/
NHS page about exercise https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/