In anticipation of International Yoga Day (IYD), we’ve gathered perspectives from distinguished professionals including authors and CEOs to understand yoga’s recent surge in popularity.
From the allure of simplicity to the enhancement, of physical and mental well-being, explore the compelling reasons to embrace the practice through these three insightful responses.
- Yoga: A Return to Simplicity
- Chair Yoga: Fitness for Seniors
- Yoga Enhances Physical and Mental Well-being
Yoga: A Return to Simplicity
In the world of continuous stimulation from all of our devices, many people understand the benefits of returning to more simple practices. Yoga is rooted in simplicity and comes from Ayurveda, which is a holistic healing system based in India that is 5,000 years old.
Yoga provides mental and physical benefits. Many yogis in the West, seem to focus solely on the physical asana, but yoga provides so much more.
Chitta vritti nirodha is a Yoga Sutra that summarizes the benefits of yoga and why I believe it has become so popular today. Yoga helps control the ever-present mind chatter. In the era of extreme overwhelm, calming the mind is the most important thing we can do.
Neelu Kaur, Author, Speaker, Exec Coach, and Wellness Stress Mgt Expert, Sattvic Living LLC
Chair Yoga: Fitness for Seniors
Interest in Chair Yoga has increased over the last five years among the over-60 crowd. At the Senior Center where I teach, the Chair Yoga classes are some of the busiest at the center. Chair Yoga opens up a whole new world of fitness and wellness for seniors.
As we age, Chair Yoga not only improves strength and flexibility but can also significantly improve balance, range of motion, healing from injuries and surgeries, and reduce stress, which can, in turn, reduce stress-related ailments, such as high blood pressure. More and more doctors and physical therapists are recommending Chair Yoga as an extension of physical therapy.
Seniors love the practice because it helps them to feel better on every level and also gives them time to socialize with others of a common age and common interests.
Interest in online Chair Yoga has also grown, particularly since COVID-19. It brings the practice to those who can no longer drive don’t have transportation, or have moved away from their favorite classes. Using technology to do Chair Yoga also helps to keep the mind sharp.
Brigitte Yancy, Owner, Wellness with Brigitte
Yoga Enhances Physical and Mental Well-being
Yoga has become immensely popular due to its comprehensive approach to improving both, physical and mental well-being. From my experiences in physical therapy, I can attest to the effectiveness of practices like, yoga in enhancing flexibility, reducing chronic pain, and improving overall functionality. For instance, stretching, a core element of both physical therapy and yoga, offers numerous benefits, like increased range of motion and better circulation. Incorporating stretches targeting different body parts, such as the hamstrings and torso, can provide relief from issues like lower back pain and shoulder discomfort.
One of the most compelling reasons to practice yoga is its ability to inspire others by demonstrating resilience and strength. Just as running a marathon can motivate onlookers to pursue their own fitness goals, practicing yoga can show how integrated body movements contribute to wellness. At Wright Physical Therapy, I’ve observed that patients who engage in structured, consistent stretching routines often see significant improvements. This holistic method encourages not just personal growth but also positively impacts those around them.
Moreover, the misconception that aging should limit physical exertion is debunked through practices like yoga. Elderly individuals, I’ve worked with significantly benefit from strength training and flexibility exercises, defying the stereotype that aging equates to diminished physical capabilities. Yoga with its gentle yet effective stretches and poses, serves as an excellent regimen for maintaining mobility and strength throughout life, making it an ideal practice for people of all ages. This continuous physical engagement is crucial for longevity and quality of life.
