What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones making them fragile and more likely to break. The origin of the word is from the Greek language to mean ‘porous bones.’ Bones naturally have some empty space in them to allow them to bend and flex. Those with Osteoporosis or low bone mass have larger spaces and less bone density – predisposing them to fractures and other bone injuries, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae and some peripheral joints such as the wrists.
How can Yoga be good for Osteoporosis?
Yoga’s gentle, low-impact movements are ideal for those with osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis), osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. With a regular practice, yoga will help to lubricate joints and keep them moving smoothly; improve strength, flexibility, balance, co-ordination, endurance, muscle mass, agility and energy level – all important for adults with osteoporosis.
Your ‘approach’ to yoga and ‘how’ you practise will also help you to develop an increased level of awareness, which in turn will lead to practising with an increased attentiveness to your body – getting to know yourself by listening to your body’s feedback and responding appropriately.
The WEA online course is suitable for all ages, for beginners and those who already practise yoga. Each week there is a simple, step by step guided practice where we work on a variety of postures which are modified and adapted. The practices and techniques include slow, gentle, straightforward movements; breathing techniques and relaxation.
What yoga can do for you:
- Improve posture
- Create better balance
- Increase your range of motion
- Make you stronger
- Refine your co-ordination
- Lower blood pressure
- Alleviate stress and anxiety
- Alleviate energetic or structural conditions
A safe practice
It is a good idea to check with your doctor before getting started to make sure it’s suitable for you. It is important that you practise yoga at a pace that is appropriate for your needs. If you feel that the class is too strong please speak to Caroline Arthur and she will advise on how to modify & adapt the practice further. It is important to listen to your body and not to ignore painful warning signs and to observe instructions on safety or technique at all times. If you experience any pain during or after the class please inform your teacher straight away.
Helpful props:
- yoga mat (essential)
- a bare wall
- a table
- a simple, sturdy chair
- blanket
- blocks or books
- cushions
- yoga/pilates belts
Approach:
- Keep a positive attitude and an eagerness to move forward
- Be open and curious
- Take your time to observe and reflect
This will ensure a greater understanding of the yoga practice.
Please see classes / workshops to find details of how to enrol onto the WEA Zoom course for Yoga for Osteoporosis and in-person classes at the Bingham Methodist Centre, Nottingham.