Why Yoga After 40 Is Essential for Strength, Flexibility, Balance, and Stress Relief

Turning 40 is a milestone that marks the natural transition of our physiological and psychological systems. There is a natural decline in muscle mass, stiffness in joints, and a longer time taken for all

processes to recover, along with a decreased ability to withstand stress. However, experts say ageing certainly does not have to be accompanied by a loss of energy, as yoga is a very efficient and viable option on all fronts. “At 40 and beyond, your body appreciates motion, which is soothing and efficient. High-intensity exercise may not be appropriate on certain occasions and in certain cases. Yoga is not against one's body. It uses different techniques of breathing and motion,” Dr Narendra K Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer of Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Center, told Times Now.

Yoga provides functional strength

According to Dr Shetty, functional strength is one of the most important aspects of yoga, obtained through weight-bearing exercises. It keeps your legs strong through standing poses, and even arm support poses will keep your overall physique strong. “This functional strength will also keep your balance intact,” he said. Mobility and joint health are also important concerns during middle age. When there is limited mobility of the joints, it results in stiffness and discomfort. “Yoga practices safe and regulated movements of the joints, thereby aiding flexibility and circulation of blood. It helps in maintaining the flexibility of the spinal region, hips, and shoulder joints that are necessary for proper body mobility,” added Dr Shetty.

Breath awareness is important

In yoga, breathing is a crucial part of improving your health and reaping the benefits. Breathing with movements while using slow and conscious breathing enhances oxygenation of tissues. Additionally, slow breathing helps to relax tense muscles. Both processes ensure consistent joint lubrication. Mental and emotional resilience becomes a precious tool after the age of 40, since many people, after this age, have many responsibilities in their personal and professional lives. Breathing exercises and relaxation methods used in yoga help to regulate the body’s nervous system, which helps to reduce stress and achieve mental relaxation. Slow breathing, relaxation, or meditation exercises may improve sleep, concentration, and mood.

Yoga helps achieve stability and balance

After 40, balance and coordination are the two most important aspects of your health that get affected, thus potentially contributing to the risk of falls. Yoga poses that focus more on stability and body position will be helpful in improving balance. Experts believe it can be accomplished even with short practice sessions per day. Importantly, doing yoga after 40 does not necessarily entail practicing or mastering complicated yoga positions. In fact, yoga after 40 is centred on more mindful and regular exercise and paying attention to one's body. The progress made is slow and tailored to an individual's fitness.

Caution you need to follow after 40

According to Dr Shetty, you need to perform yoga asanas with a certain degree of caution, especially as you age. “For example, people dealing with recent surgeries, conditions of intense joint degeneration, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or people experiencing acute pain conditions should not exercise yoga unsupervised,” he said.

Also, certain forms of yoga require intense practices or complex postures that may not be very suitable for all people. In essence, practicing yoga at the age of 40 or above creates a great effect in the physical and psychological being of an individual, as it enables one to age in a proper and healthy manner. It can also enable you to learn to adapt to the ageing process.