Exploring the Benefits of Yoga with the Family
This post was contributed by Megan Moret, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student who worked with us here at Parker Place as part of her final capstone project in the fall of 2021.
Yoga is a discipline that offers both physical and spiritual benefits to those who engage in regular practice. It has been around for over 5,000 years and continues to grow in popularity with time due to its numerous health and wellness advantages. Yoga is an extremely versatile practice as well as a great tool for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy.
Strengthening your body
Yoga is typically performed at a slow pace to encourage increased mindfulness for the body and spirit connection. It is not considered aerobic exercise; however, it is an excellent workout, offering physical benefits with consistent practice. Participating in yoga requires the individual to perform both static and dynamic movements that increase strength, balance, and flexibility. Research suggests yoga is also beneficial for cardiovascular health, as it can potentially reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate.
Strengthening your spirit
Yoga is not a competitive sport and it is not intended for overextending your own abilities. Instead, yoga is a form of self-care which presents an opportunity to relax and realign yourself with your personal intentions. Yoga encourages you to listen to your body’s needs through gentle stretches and flow of movements. Savasana is the final resting posture at the end of your yoga practice, where you lay flat on your back to engage in the art of relaxation. At this time, the goal is to clear your mind and appreciate your body’s ability to participate in practice. Soft music, a dark lit room, and guided meditation create the perfect environment to relieve stress and temporarily remove yourself from the external stressors of life.
Yoga is for anyone, anywhere
The versatility of yoga facilitates universal accessibility, which extends the opportunity of practice to the world. There are several variations of practice, including animated and themed yoga videos to appeal to children, slow stretches for a morning boost to awaken your body, core strengthening flows to improve back pain, and advanced poses for the flexible experts. The beauty of yoga is the capacity to engage in it anywhere, at any time. Your own body is the only tool you will need for yoga (although a yoga mat or towel does not hurt!), and the amount of time you spend engaged in practice is up to you. Joining yoga studios and fitness centers provides the additional opportunity to connect with a community of individuals with similar health and wellness goals. Online videos and mobile apps are great (and free!) alternatives to engage in practice whether you are at home or on the go. Simply taking 5-10 minutes out of your morning or evening routine to engage in yoga stretches and deep breathing practices will continue to benefit you throughout the day.
Check out these iOS apps available in the iPhone app store for free on-demand yoga:
Check out these Android apps available in the Google Play store for free on-demand yoga:
There are several resources available on YouTube that offer free guided yoga experiences for individuals of all ages. Check out these YouTube channels, offering lots of different yoga videos to fit your needs:
Also, don’t miss these YouTube channels offering free yoga videos for children by browsing through the selection and choosing a yoga experience to try out with your family: