Try Yoga for Improved Flexibility

Question: I was looking for a way to improve my flexibility. I am in my 50's and recently realized that my stride has become shorter and my range of motion through my hips, trunk flexibility has diminished. Are there any stretching classes that would be beneficial?

Answer: As we age the old adage, "use it or lose it" becomes glaringly true. One of the first reasons for loss of mobility is loss of flexibility. Older adults who have lost a large percentage of their range-of-motion through their major joints are at higher risk for injury with the possibility of a fall. Without flexibility, they tend to fall like a tree unable to rotate or improve their body position to prevent or lessen the fall. Maintaining flexibility and balance through yoga classes could be a good option. In our area, Susan Hearn and Mary Faucette recently opened Omshanti Yoga which is located beside Tokyo Express on Huffman Mill Road. I talked with Susan about yoga and some of the class variations they offer. One of the major benefits of yoga is improving flexibility and they have enjoyed good feedback especially from golfers who were able to improve their long game from participating in their classes.

Yoga is excellent for strengthening core muscles. Susan also spoke about the breathing techniques and emphasized Omshanti was more about teaching the physical aspects of yoga in their facility and included relaxation techniques at the end of class. I also spoke with some individuals who took classes from them with the general consensus being that the classes were simple to follow and are as difficult as a participant wants to make them. One said that the classes definitely burned calories and they were in a good sweat with their heart rate elevated but it wasn't like doing aerobics.

My wife felt invigorated but worn out at the same time after finishing a class. So this could be a good choice for those looking for an alternative to or an addition to their standard workouts.

I also checked out the YMCA which also offers a yoga class on Wednesday and Friday nights. At Gold's Gym, Dawn Lombardi has been teaching a strenuous workout that includes a good period of stretching for several years. So there are several different choices for alternative training to add your workouts and improve your flexibility.

For those interested in competing in the Alamance Bodybuilding Championships or in the Women's Figure division, contact Trish Ellis at Gold's or Unlimited Nutrition. The entry deadline is June 19 and the competition is June 27 at Williams High School.

Daryl Laws

Personal Training and Sports Performance Excellence Blog

Try Yoga for Improved Flexibility