Benefits of Yoga

Yoga Brings Health Benefits at Any Age or Level

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I'm trying to lose some weight and improve my health overall but I'm hitting a workout rut. I go to the gym four times a week and bring myself through the same old routines every time. 

I thought about getting a trainer or taking up running, but I am 50-years-old and I think it would be a little tough on my joints to start doing something like that after years of elliptical trainers and low-impact machines. How can I keep my workouts lively and interesting, and even maybe increase their frequency?

Sincerely,

Workout Rut     

A:

Dear Workout Rut,

I have a suggestion for your workout that would be a total switch from your typical aerobics and weight-training workouts: yoga! Yoga is a practice you can start at any age and any level, pacing yourself and doing only what you are comfortable doing.

Yoga is totally different from the exercise routine you currently have, so it should be a great way to switch things up and keep your workouts exciting.

Here are some of the other benefits of practicing yoga:

* Anyone at any age can start a practice. It is a practice that is meant for people of all ages.

* There is no competition in yoga, so anyone who feels insecure about their athletic prowess need not worry.

* Yoga is a practice meant for men and women and practiced by men and women. It’s easy to find a class taught by a man or a woman.

* You don’t need a lot of equipment for yoga. Just a mat and some loose fitting clothing.

* There is a cerebral/spiritual element to yoga, including a focus on relaxation, that makes it interesting for people who get bored with other sports or workout routines.

* You can practice yoga with a partner — either just the two of you or the two of you in a class. It’s a great date, and it’s a great thing to do as part of your ongoing life together — with your partner.

* Injuries do occur, but less often than in impact sports.

* The health benefits are myriad.

 

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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