As much as there are lots of positives about getting older – wiser, less ‘bothered’ about sweating the small stuff, time to enjoy friends and family – there are those things that creep up on us that we weren’t expecting such as muscle loss.
By Vicki Baumann, founder of YogaWithVickiB (Abridged version of article in Menopause Life magazine, Autumn, Issue 3 - click here to read the full article on pages 4-6)
I went back to my yoga mat after a serious life-changing hit and run accident. After two surgeries and a year of having to learn to walk again unaided - both my legs, and particularly my injured leg, had lost so much muscle and was incredibly inflexible.
Now seven years on, most people wouldn't notice the difference.
One of the key benefits of yoga is that you use your full range of muscles and when coupled with deep stretching, helps strengthen and build muscle through your own body weight.
People often comment on my arms, exclaiming "They're so toned! What else do you do other than yoga?" My answer, nothing, it's all yoga.
You do tone up. You do gain more muscle and strength by practicing regularly.
Do have a read of the full article in Menopause Life where you can read more and take a closer look at some of the yoga poses that help build strength.
🔸 Tree Pose - tones your thigh muscles, glutes and ankles
🔸 Boat Pose - strengthens your abdominal muscles and lower back
🔸 Side Plank Pose - Strengthens your wrists, forearms, shoulders and spine as well as toning your abdominal muscles
🔸 Warrior 1 Pose - tones your abdominal muscles as well as strengthening your thighs, calves, ankles; back muscles, shoulders and arms
Would you like to start your yoga journey?
I love working with new female clients who are at that stage of their life where they want to take control of their health and wellbeing and ensure that, whilst their body may be changing, that they remain strong and flexible into their next stage of life.
All my regular yoga classes are live online - something that my students find incredibly helpful as it is convenient and you can make your practice area as comfortable as you require.
If you would like to have a chat about how you can join my next beginners course; join one of my live online yoga classes; or would like to discuss working with me 1-2-1 – then get in touch, message or call me and I’ll be happy to talk.
🔸 I also teach ladies in-person in my Broadstone, Dorset-based home yoga studio for private 1-2-1 classes. Do get in touch with me if you would like to explore working with me on this basis, where I can devise a class that is specific to your requirements hello@yogawithvickib.com
Want to find out more about my online and in-person ladies Yoga Retreats in Kalkan and the UK? Take a look under 'Yoga With Me' on my website or get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
And you can keep up-to-date with news, views and top tips by signing up to receive my newsletter.
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