Aging is an inevitable truth of all times. Everyone has to age, but aging gracefully is an art. If you are amongst the many aging adults looking to slow down the hands of time, just turn around to your yoga mat. Yes, according to recent studies intensive daily yoga practice results in the increase in key substances linked to youth and longevity. Yoga is one of the easiest and simple methods to tone up your body and to improve your skin.
Yoga asanas help improves balance, flexibility, strength, and breathing thereby defying the aging signs. Here is a list of top 5 asanas of yoga that will help you to stay healthy and young.
1. Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
This asana strengthens the arms, shoulders, thighs and back muscles, all in one go.
How to perform:
1. Stand straight with your legs apart.
2. Shift your right foot outwards by about 90 degrees and left foot inwards by 15 degrees.
3. Lift your arms at the height of your shoulders with your palms facing upwards.
4. Exhale and bend your knee over the left ankle.
5. Stay in this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Breathe in again and come out of the pose.
7. Repeat the same in the opposite direction.
2. Simhasana (Lion pose) :
Simhasana asana is beneficial for face, eyes, throat, and tongue. It improves blood circulation of the face thereby provides nourishment to the skin and helps your skin glow.
How to perform:
1. Sit on the floor with your knees down.
2. Place your palms on the knees and press each knee firmly.
3. Open your mouth and stretch out your tongue and inhale through the nose.
4. Now move the tip of your tongue downward (toward chin).
5. Exhale through your mouth with a sound like “haaaa”.
6. Roar in this position for few minutes.
3. Matsyasana (Fish pose):
This asana improves your posture and flexibility of your spine. Matsyasana can also keep you active and light by treating digestion problems such as constipation.
How to perform:
1. Lie straight on your back with your arms straight by the sides of your body.
2. Shift your arms under your hips and bring elbows closer to each other.
3. Cross your feet, while placing your thighs and knees flat on the ground.
4. Lift your chest upwards while you breathe in. Make sure that your head is still touching the ground.
5. You should keep the weight of your body on your shoulders and not on your head.
6. Breathe normally and hold into this position until you are uncomfortable.
4. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) :
This asana helps strengthen back muscles and losing weight.
How to perform:
1. Lie flat on your stomach with your legs apart and arms on the sides of your body.
2. Now, hold the ankles with both your hands by folding your knees gently.
3. Lift your chest and legs upwards while you inhale. Try to pull your legs backward.
4. Hold the position for 15-20 seconds and exhale.
5. Vrikshasana (Tree pose):
Vrikshasana helps you to master your balancing skills and improve your concentration.
How to perform:
1. Stand straight with your feet together.
2. Bend your right knee and place the sole of your left foot on the inner side of your left thigh.
3. You should place your foot on the calf, not on the knee joint.
4. Make both your hands in the prayer position and place them in front of your chest.
5. Hold the position for 15 seconds.
6. Extend your hands together over your head while breathing in.
7. Exhale and lower your arms and leg as well.
8. Repeat the same with the opposite leg.
So if you want to put a glow in your golden years, start doing these yoga asanas regularly now!
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