Joseph Pilates, the founder
of Pilates fitness method, said we are “young” if our body is supple and strong
even at the age of sixty. On the other
hand, you are told “old” if the body is stiff and out of shape even if twenty
or thirty something only.
I think he was very
correct. I see all the time many “young”
people in old body, many “old” people in young body. But then, before and after Yoga, I consistently
notice how fast people are changing in their overall appearances, getting
younger and brighter by day, regardless of ages.
Many people define “age”
with “chronicle number of years” they have lived. But I define otherwise. “Age” is about how comfortable you are with
your body, how strong you are in your legs.
Usually first half of our
Yoga sessions are standings poses; the latter half are sitting and floor
poses. It is quite common scenes with
beginners; they can barely stand 10 or 20 minutes of standing poses with wobbling
jelly like legs. Many drop to floor to
catch their breath, before can stand up again to continue. Those non-beginners…they can last, last, last…no
problem. They even feel much more energy
after yoga classes. That’s the difference
between young and old, the level of stamina and energy, not the age.
Our two legs are meant for walking, not for
sitting. When you let your leg hang
idle, leg strength decline over time and you will set in motion a cascade of
events that could lead to disability or even premature death. With weakened legs, you’ll first avoid
activities that require exertion, like long walks or biking. Then, getting out
of a chair or ascending a flight of stairs becomes a challenge. As muscle further deteriorates, you may need
a cane or a walker to safely get around.
Muscles weakened from age and disuse is also important risk factors for
hip fractures.
Overall body strength is vital for maintaining
independence, particularly for the lower limbs.
Strong legs, studies show, are your insurance policy for an active and
enjoyable life in your later years. Fit
leg muscles also protect knee joints.
With age, thigh muscles weaken from lack of exercise, and more of the
mechanical stress of walking, running, and standing transfers to the knee
joints. Strong leg muscles help absorb
that stress, and prevent the breakdown of cartilage and the onset of
osteoarthritis.
And the Eagle Pose (Garudasana) is one of the best Yoga pose to strengthen not only the legs but also shoulders and arms while improving balance and focus. Its pose will help you stay forever-young.
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