As you age, it is normal that moving around becomes more difficult as your joints become stiffer and your bones lose density. However, joint stiffness and sensitivity can be reduced by moving your joints regularly, such as through some yoga exercises! Doing yoga poses can not only improve your mobility but can also work on common aging issues such as balance and stamina. Many also regard yoga as a therapeutic experience to reduce feelings of stress! These yoga poses we bring to you today can be done anytime and anywhere, believe it or not. All you need is a chair and the diligence to carry out these exercises regularly. Set aside sometime a few days a week, perhaps alternate days, and you will be able to see a difference over time!
Seated Eagle Pose
Sit up straight on the chair and stretch your arms in front of you, and cross your left arm on top of your right arm. Intertwine your fingers and arch your back a little. Cross your right ankle over your left ankle. Hold this position for three to five deep breaths. Switch your position to your right arm over your left arm and repeat the exercise.
Seated Forward Bend
For this exercise, sit up tall on the chair with your knees touching and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms at the sides of your body. Breathe in deeply. When you exhale, slowly bend forward over such that your face is facing your thighs and lean as far as you can. You can put your hands on your thighs first, then at your shins after leaning forward. Hold this position for three to five breaths, then return to an upright position.
Cat-Cow Stretch
To begin the cat-cow stretch, sit at the edge of the chair with your back straight. For the ‘cat’ part of the stretch, inhale and arch your back as much as you can, and look towards the ceiling. Hold this position for three to five breaths. Then, for the ‘cow’ part of the stretch, bring your back to its original position and round your back towards the back of the chair, with your gaze towards your lap. Hold this position for three to five breaths again. You can repeat this sequence five times.
Seated Mountain
Sit on the front half of your chair with your back straight, core engaged, and feet on the floor.
Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle and leave some space in between. Take a deep breath and roll your shoulders down as you exhale, holding your arms down at both sides. Hold this pose for three to five deep breaths.
Stay Fit And Healthy With The Summit
Here at The Summit, the health of you and your loved ones is our priority. Exercising and maintaining health and mobility does not have to be a painful experience. We inject fun into all that we do to give you or your loved ones the highest quality of life. One example includes our Dimensions Health & Fitness Program, where exercising is made delightful with new and interesting activities all year round. Another example is our Sensations Dining, where we serve only the freshest foods to ensure you and your loved ones get the nutrients you need.
