If you are somebody who is in your early, mid or late 40s and looking to take up a new type of exercise to keep the engine ticking over, then the idea of yoga might seem like the opposite of your current abilities. If you think that yoga is only for young, spry, slim bodied individuals who have always been flexible and sweat free, we are here to let you know that yoga really is for everybody!
The great thing about yoga is that you can begin your journey at any level, whether that means total beginner or otherwise. All you need to do is find the right class and in a few short weeks you will feel like you have always belonged!
In fact, rather than regarding it as something that should be off limits to the middle aged, health and exercise experts around the world have long been saying that yoga is one of the best activities that somebody over 35 can take up. With this in mind, here are some of the key reasons why you should feel absolutely great about starting yoga in your 40s.
Maintain Flexibility And Muscular Tone
Did you know that your bones and muscles begin to ‘age’ at around 30 years old? This might sound scary, but all it means for the most part is a few extra periods of stiffness from time to time in your 40s. Yoga can help to combat these symptoms by keeping your joints and ligaments lubricated, and it will help to build up your resistance to future injuries by keeping active and fit.
Improves Spinal Health
There is no doubt that the integrity of your spine is one of the most important factors to your overall health as you age. Yoga involves lots of stretches and positions that help to improve your spinal health, and this will make an invaluable difference to you as you go through your 40s into your 50s, 60s and beyond.
Keeps Your Mind And Focus Clear
Yoga can help to keep your mind free of the dreaded ‘brain fog’ that can get worse as you age. You will be familiar with older people who struggle to keep hold of dates, faces and overall mental clarity, but doing something like yoga that tests both your physical and mental strength can help to keep everything you have nice and sharp well into old age.
I think we can all agree that the variety of benefits listed above come together to put you in the best position for entering your middle age and beyond in the healthiest, most positive way possible. Yoga is ideal for anyone in their 40s of any ability and for either sex. All there is left for you to do is consult the best yoga mat guide by Yoga Studio Store here to make sure that you have the best equipment for your first session. Hopefully that session will be the first of many!