Yoga is an effective form of exercise, and anyone who practices it can enjoy its different benefits. Even seniors can practice yoga. However, many adults over the age of 50 may be new to the practice or feel uncomfortable performing yoga in group environments. Thankfully, yoga is widely available on digital learning platforms and can be accessed through online streaming services and traditional DVDs.
Although the use of DVDs for yoga was popular throughout the early 2000s, online streaming services have become increasingly popular and enable people from all across the world to participate in yoga at any time, anywhere.
The following are some of the primary reasons why adults over 50 have started to use online services and streaming for yoga over the traditional use of DVDs:
- Online services are more cost-effective in the long term when compared to a single purchase.
- Online services provide greater flexibility and more options for the types of classes available and their duration and difficulty.
- DVDs risk wear and tear, unlike online services.
- Some online services provide live streaming, which provides a more authentic experience.
- Streaming and online services provide access anytime, anywhere, unlike DVDs which rely upon system requirements.
- Most online services provide a multi-faceted learning approach to yoga by accessing articles, blogs, courses, and more.
This article will review the 5 best yoga DVDs for seniors, including online services and traditional DVDs. We’ll also discuss which yoga poses are best for seniors and detail the practice of chair yoga. The Chair Yoga DVD is a great way to get started with chair yoga.
Senior Yoga Benefits
Here are some of the significant health benefits of yoga for seniors:
- Lowers blood pressure and decreases nervous system activity
- Increases flexibility and improves range of motion
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Improves cardiovascular health and supports muscle health
- Provides support for balance and overall stability
- Enhances cognition and supports sleep
Yoga Poses For Seniors
Most seniors are recommended to follow a slower-paced yoga practice, such as hatha yoga, and participate in classes that incorporate extended rest in between poses and use blocks and chairs for extra support.
Some of the best poses for seniors include:
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
- Triangle Pose (Konasana)
- Tree Pose (Vriksasana)
- Child’s Pose (Shishu Asana)
- Savasana
Chair Yoga For Seniors
Many seniors may feel more comfortable doing chair yoga over traditional yoga due to extra support for balance and rest. Most chair yoga classes incorporate overhead stretching, arm holds, forward bends, and twists.
Yoga DVD for Seniors
Yoga DVDs can help anyone practice yoga, especially seniors! DVDs are extremely helpful since many senior adults prefer to stay at home for increased privacy and comfort.
Additionally, the use of DVDs saves money and time in the long term and can provide a wider range of services that are best suited to the needs of older adults.
Yoga DVDs for Seniors Buying Guide
Here are some of the significant factors you should consider when searching for the best yoga DVD for seniors:
- Style and level of difficulty – Choose a DVD that can be easily performed according to your level of expertise and ability.
- Proper guidance from an experienced instructor – Make sure to select a program that’s guided by an expert with extensive experience and positive reviews.
- Overall value – Always select a program that provides the best overall value, even if it’s not the cheapest. The program you choose should offer various options that target specific health concerns and are easy to follow.
4 Best Yoga DVDs for Seniors
Best Yoga DVD for Seniors: Yoga International
Yoga International is an incredibly diverse yoga website that offers live-stream and pre-recorded yoga classes for yogis of all levels. It provides a community-based, multi-faceted digital learning platform where yogis and practitioners can further their practice and gain a deeper knowledge of yoga, meditation, holistic health, and mindful living.
Yoga International currently serves over 300,000 members per day and offers a free 30 day trial for new members. Membership options are available for $19.99/month or $119.88/year.
Members of Yoga International will enjoy access to:
- 500+ experts in yoga therapy, meditation, persona transformation, and more.
- Video classes, digital workshops, in-depth articles covering a wide variety of yoga topics
- 1000+ classes of various lengths, styles, and levels of difficulty
- Monthly themed challenges and multi-day training sessions are available.
- Live stream classes and offline classes
- Yoga International app that’s accessible through the phone, tablet, TV
Class options are available for all levels of yoga practice, and there are also specialized classes available for Hatha, vinyasa, and other major forms of yoga. Some of its best courses for seniors include Yoga After 50 and Gentle Yoga For Seniors.
Yoga International has received ratings of 4.7 and 4.0 on the Apple app store and Trustpilot, respectively, from among thousands of ratings and is held in high regard by the yoga community.
Pros:
- 1900+ classes and 500+ expert teachers
- Live-stream classes and offline classes are available
- Accessible anywhere, anytime through the Yoga International app
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with customer service and billing.
- Some customers have noticed issues with audio or lagging on the app.
- Customers have mentioned that Yoga International has a small selection for its 60-min classes.
Jane Fonda: AM/PM Yoga For Beginners
It has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
This yoga DVD is a friendly alternative for seniors who cannot attend fitness classes every day. It features Jane Fonda, and her instructions are clear, and the poses are easy to follow. It has 70 minutes program, and if you can follow it, it is an excellent workout. If you have limited time, you can customize the yoga session into small segments, and it will still make you feel energized.
This DVD is recommended for seniors who have limited knowledge of yoga. Jane is an excellent instructor, and she comes as a friendly and warm teacher that helps her students learn the different poses. The movements will help improve a senior’s body, and it also uses light weights that can also improve strength and joint health.
The DVD includes 3 AM yoga and 2 PM workouts: The AM workouts help energize and rejuvenate the body. The PM workouts help the body calm down and relax, and it helps relieve stress and improves mental health. It also includes 5-minute stability exercises that will enhance stability and balance.
Gentle Yoga: 7 Beginning Yoga Practices for Mid-life (40s – 70s)
This yoga DVD is created for individuals who are in their 40s and above. This DVD features the beautiful Glacier National Park, and Jane Adams has been the instructor, a known yoga practitioner since 1976. It helps promote relaxation, and it is easy to follow with its simple, clear, and short exercises. It includes an 18-minute morning routine; it energizes the body and rejuvenates it. The mid-day 19-minute routine includes desk-based exercises that can be done even when seated on a chair. It also contains 29-minute evening exercises, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
It also has an additional 22 and 34 minutes balance and flexibility sessions that can help a senior improve their balance, and this can help prevent falls or accidents. It is perfect for seniors who are beginners and new to the yoga scene.
Lilias! AM & PM Yoga Workouts for Seniors
This yoga DVD features Lillas Folan, and she is a well-known yoga teacher. She hosted a yoga TV show for 29 years in the USA. She is known for being one of the great pioneers of yoga, making it easy to do and valuable for everyone. This DVD is perfect for seniors, and it is designed to bring benefits by doing it regularly. It has two main sections: AM workout session and PM workout session.
The AM yoga workout is perfect to start a day. It energizes the body, builds strength, increases blood circulation, and improves joint health and range of motion. It also helps a senior maintain a healthy back, and it also includes breathing exercises and deep breathing techniques that help clear the mind from all tension and stress. The exercises also help improve flexibility.
The PM yoga workout is perfect to end a long day. It helps soothe and strengthen the back. It also relieves stress and improves mood. It helps release the tension on the neck, jaw, shoulders, and back and it is perfect for relieving headaches. The exercises also help stretch the body and keep the joints healthy and improve sleep quality.
Conclusion
Before starting any physical fitness activity, it is best to consult your medical care provider if it is right for you. Individuals who have chronic medical conditions need to practice caution.
Always remember to practice according to your level and never push yourself to its limits. It is also best to use yoga props to help prevent any injuries or accidents during a yoga session.
If you can practice with your friends or have someone to support you, it is essential that someone can help you when you are having a hard time doing the poses.
References
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- Eyre, Harris A., et al. ‘Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study.’ 1 Jan. 2016 : 673 – 684.
- Grabara M, et al. (2015). Effects of Hatha yoga exercises on spine flexibility in women over 50 years old.
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339138/
- Halpern, J., Cohen, M., Kennedy, G., Reece, J., Cahan, C., & Baharav, A. (2014). Yoga for improving sleep quality and quality of life for older adults. Altern Ther Health Med, 20(3), 37-46.
- Huang FJ, et al. (2013). Effects of Hatha yoga on stress in middle-aged women. DOI:
- 10.1097/jnr.0b013e3182829d6d
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