Work it out: Age-proof your body
AGEING is an inevitable part of life — but premature ageing? That’s a whole different story. A study carried out by wellness companies Fit2Lead and The Tonic reveals that the stress of modern working life ages us by an extra 10- 20 years – with high blood pressure and an increased body fat percentage becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Constant access to emails means our typical working day no longer finishes at 5pm, and it’s having a knock-on effect on our inner and outer health.
Poor memory, reduced vitality and creaky joints are just a handful of the common ageing woes.
“In very simple terms,’ explains yoga expert Laurella Fox-Pitt “ageing occurs because, when our cells die, as they do all the time, they don’t grow back as youthful and springy as they once were.’
Although that isn’t reversible, simple measures such as eating well and exercising can slow the effects.
‘All the below poses will help in the rejuvenation of the cells, the oxygenation of the body and the calming of the mind,’ she explains, ‘guiding you to a healthier, longer, more grounded way of life.’
Perform each pose in a flow sequence, three times per week. All fitness levels should aim to hold each pose for the specified time.
Helps prevent premature ageing of the brain by improving circulation, in turn improving focus and concentration.
¦ Curl your toes under and move your pelvis backwards until your sit bones lift.
¦ Allow your legs to lengthen, keeping a small bend in your knees, until you form an inverted V shape.
¦ Ensuring your spine is in a straight line, draw your shoulder blades together and hold for five breaths.
¦ For a deeper stretch, open up the hip by lifting one leg to the sky.
Detoxes from within to keep you feeling youthful.
¦ Lie on your back on a mat and squeeze both knees to your chest.
¦ Roll to one side, then open the top shoulder and arm back to the mat.
¦ You should feel this stretch through your whole spine.
¦ Take 10 long breaths, then repeat on the other side.
¦ Remain in this position for 5-10 minutes.
Keep the spine elongated.
your spine is less mobile at the base than at the middle and top
Gives your body and brain a physical and mental rest.
¦ Lay flat on the mat, with your palms about eight inches from your body and facing up, and your feet hip-width apart.
¦ Your breath should soften and your body should begin to melt into the floor.
¦ Let go a little more with every exhalation.
This pose releases stress from the spine.
¦ Rise onto your hands and knees, placing your hands beneath your shoulders and your hips over your knees.
¦ Inhale and round your spine, dropping your chin.
¦ Exhale, gently releasing your back to an arch, gazing softly upward, and relaxing your shoulder blades releasing down your back.
¦ Repeat five times. Then perform the pose again, this time bringing one knee towards your nose, then extending it out behind you.
¦ Tuck your toes under and push back into Downward Dog.
Gently relieves back pain, which often comes with age.
¦ Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat.
¦ Raise your pelvis and spine, so just your shoulders and feet are touching the floor.
¦ Interlace your fingers behind your back, squeezing your palms together and opening your chest to the ceiling.
¦ For a softer version, gently roll your spine, one vertebra at a time, back to the mat. Then reverse the motion to lift back up. Do this 10 or so times.
¦ For an advanced version, bring your feet together, then extend one leg at a time to the sky.
¦ Hold for as long as feels comfortable.
Balances the nervous system to help you de-stress and clears toxins from the lymphatic system.
¦ Kneel and fold your body forwards.
¦ Place your forehead on the ground and extend your arms forwards or backwards by your feet.
¦ Hold for 10 breaths.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
