New Delhi:Most people know their real age instantly. But what about their body age?
It’s not so much how many candles are on your birthday cake, it’s how your body is really doing. It includes things like strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Two persons can be the same chronological age, but their bodies may be aging at very different rates.
“Chronic stress, physical inactivity, poor posture and disrupted sleep are everyday habits that can make a person feel and function older than they are,” says Siddhaa Akshar of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, founded by Himalayan Yoga Master Sidhartha Guruji.
What does body age mean?
Age of body means the condition of body and not the number of years a person has lived. It takes into account physical fitness, flexibility of joints, balance, stamina and overall health.
If a person exercises regularly, sleeps enough and handles stress well, his or her body age may be younger than someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle.
Yoga and healthy ageing: The benefits.
Yoga is often associated with flexibility, but its benefits go way beyond touching your toes.
Regular practice can increase strength, balance, posture, circulation and mobility. It also benefits emotional wellbeing by reducing stress and encouraging relaxation. As time passes, yoga will soften and soothe your daily movements.
What makes yoga especially advantageous is its dual benefit for body and mind, assisting people to be energetic, confident and active at any age.
1. Utkatasana (Chair Pose) -
Steps
Sit in an imaginary chair, bending your knees and standing upright. Lift your arms in front of you or over your head, keeping your back straight.
Benefits
Utkatasana targets the leg, hip and core muscles and improves endurance, balance and stability. It helps to maintain physical strength and helps to maintain an active lifestyle.
Important
In this pose, keep your knees in line with your feet, don't lean too much forward and don't hold your breath.
2. Ardha Chakrasana (Half Wheel Pose)
Steps
Stand up straight, hands on your waist. Lean back gently, lifting your chest and relaxing your neck.
Benefits
This asana increases spinal flexibility, stretches the chest muscles and may help improve posture and energy levels.
Important
Stay relaxed and breathe evenly throughout the pose. Move slowly.
3. Siddha Walk
Steps
Be aware of your breathing and body movements as you walk in a figure-eight.
Benefits
Siddha Walk enhances coordination, balance, circulation and digestion. It’s good for keeping the body supple and the mind sharp.
Important
Practice in an open space, standing up straight.
4. Bhramari Pranayama
Steps
Sit back and gently close your eyes. Breathe out slowly, hum a little as you breathe out.
Benefits
This breathing exercise helps calm the nervous system, reduce mental fatigue and promote emotional balance.
Important
The hum must be soft and natural. Don't force the breath.
age is a number, energy is a choice
No exercise can reverse the ageing process, but yoga can help improve many of the factors associated with a younger body age. Regular practice builds strength, flexibility, balance and mental wellbeing, helping people to stay active, confident and comfortable throughout their lives.
It’s not about getting younger, it’s about feeling healthier, moving better and enjoying life with more energy and ease.
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