As we grow older, our sense of balance tends to weaken, and it can get frustrating. This could be due to many reasons, from vision to muscle weakness and more. However, yoga is one way you can improve your balance. It is gentle on the body due to it being a low-impact exercise and it helps to tone muscles as well. Certain yoga poses focus on balance and can stimulate the brain and body by challenging you. Yoga can also help prevent falls in the long run as your confidence builds as you rebuild the skills for balance. There are many benefits to yoga especially for mature adults, which explains why it is enjoyed by so many. Here are some balance-focused yoga poses for your loved ones and you to try out.
Mountain Pose
You first stand with your feet at a hip distance with your feet firmly planted to the ground. Stand straight by pushing the tailbone down, drawing your shoulders back, and keeping your belly button towards your spine. Imagine that you are rooted to the ground and let yourself feel the space around you from your “roots”. Leave your arms at your side and feel the internal stretch from your feet through to your hips, fingertips, to the crown of your head. Stay in the position for a few breaths and relax from the position.
Seated Spinal Twist
This move will require you to be on the floor. Sit upright and keep your legs straight in front of you. Bring your right knee close to your chest and cross it over your left thigh. Fold your left leg in next to your butt and reach your right arm behind you, raising your left arm and wrapping it around your right knee. Take a deep breath and turn towards your right on the exhale. Keep your shoulders square and push your left shoulder blade away from your ears. Hold for thirty seconds and relax from the position.
Eye Yoga
As eyes are also important for balance, there are some yoga exercises specially catered for the eyes. You will mainly be massaging certain pressure points on your face and moving your eyes in many different directions. One of the most soothing eye yoga would be rubbing your hands together until they are warm and putting your warm hands over your closed eyes.
Downward Facing Dog
Do use a chair for this pose if you are more comfortable with it. With the chair slightly in front of you and your feet at hip distance, bend your upper torso to reach the seat and lengthen your spine and arms, keeping them at shoulder distance. Push your shoulders away from your ears to feel the muscles in your arms and upper back. If you are not as flexible, feel free to bend your knees. If you do this on the floor, make sure your feet and hands are firmly planted on the floor and that you are in an inverted V-shape.
