Yoga for Better Balance and Healthy Aging
Balance is an essential life skill.
If your balance has ever been compromised, you know how debilitating it can be. As we age, our ability to balance begins to decline. But balance is a skill you can improve no matter your age. Our bodies are very efficient -- they prioritize the movements and skills we use and let go of those that we use less frequently. If there is a skill you wish to retain as you age - including balance - you must continue to use it.
Yoga has many benefits, including improving balance.
Yoga provides many benefits as we age. As these benefits are becoming more widely known and supported by science, doctors are now recommending that patients in their second half of life begin a regular yoga practice. In addition to gains in flexibility, yoga also teaches mindful movement, which is a helpful skill to have as we age. Practicing yoga also builds strength in the core, legs and hips, which is essential for longevity.
How your balance system works.
Yoga is also very beneficial for training our balance mechanisms. Balance is like our “Neural GPS,” helping us to navigate through the world. Our brain takes in information from the vestibular system (inner ear), from the eyes, and from proprioceptors in our joints and throughout the body. The brain receives these signals at lightning speed through the nervous system. It puts the information together so we can move smoothly from one position to the next, from one place to the next.
If one of these signals is faulty, it can have far reaching consequences in terms of our ability to move easily through the world. Throughout life but especially as we age, we need to challenge our balance system to keep these signals strong and healthy. While in some unique cases it may be necessary to work with a physical therapist or a vestibular system specialist, often we can simply begin training and challenging ourselves to improve our balance system.
How yoga works to improve balance.
Any active yoga class will include poses that strengthen the muscles and proprioceptors involved in balance. In a typical yoga class, we also work in a variety of positions relative to gravity - such as in the pose downward dog in which we are essentially upside down. This exercises the vestibular system. We also often change what we are looking at while we remain still in a pose, which challenges the visual system.
How to get started with yoga
If you’re not already practicing yoga regularly, first check in with your doctor to make sure that yoga is right for you. When first getting started with yoga, I recommend finding a slower paced, yet active class. This is essential, especially for those of us in the second half of life or later. When it comes to strengthening our balance mechanism, it is important that we feel safe but adequately challenged. A class that moves quickly or offers complex, advanced poses might lead to injury. While many find the energy of a group class beneficial, others might prefer one-on-one work with a skilled instructor. No matter how you get started with yoga, your future self will thank you as you begin to see the benefits in your physical health. You can explore my online yoga classes below.
Joanna Dunn is a yoga teacher with over two decades of experience. Based in Leavenworth, WA close to Seattle she specializes in working with older adults ages 60+. Joanna leads weekend and weeklong Yoga retreats (beginner friendly) as well as individual and group yoga and meditation sessions online via zoom. You can. contact Joanna HERE should you have any questions whether you’re just starting your yoga practice or have been practicing for a while.