Stretching Exercises

Stretching Exercises — No Comments
17
Jan 12

When doing yoga’s neck stretching exercises, skip the headstand

Chronic neck pain is one of the most common physical problems in the U.S., which is why many yoga enthusiasts use neck stretching exercises to ease aches and increase their spinal flexibility. In response to a recent New York Times article alleging that yoga can cause serious neck injuries, a media editor for the Huffington Post recommended simply skipping the advanced poses.

Editor Sandip Roy explained that the Times article was not off-base. Yes, he said, highly acrobatic yoga poses can lead to neck or back injuries. However, Roy noted that the article – which has generated a lot of media discussion of late – comes to a fairly obvious conclusion: "Headstands are not for everyone."

Essentially, to do yoga for a healthy back and neck, it's important to stick to a soothing regimen, like Dahn Yoga, that does not push the spine to its limits. By utilizing such a routine, it is possible to improve the range of motion of the neck and reduce aches.

According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Health Statistics, 15 percent of Americans report having neck pain, making it the third most common type of chronic ache.

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Stretching Exercises — No Comments
3
Jan 12

Studies find that youth benefit from yoga, stretching exercises for kids

Across the U.S., countless adults are using Dahn Yoga for their health and wellness. This regimen, based on centuries of holistic healing expertise, can improve bodily function and relieve mental stress – no matter how young you are.

Scientists are increasingly taking notice that yoga, tai chi and mindfulness meditation have applications for the health of children. Hundreds of U.S. schools have integrated yoga programs into their physical education programs, and recently a pair of researchers set out to see how the holistic healing practice is benefiting schoolchildren.

In one report, Robin Lowry, a physical education expert from Temple University, found that most school-based yoga programs are very flexible. Classes for children often include games, stories, music and group activities, all designed to keep kids focused, interested and calm.

Another study, this one conducted by psychologist Mary Lance of Walden University, determined that yoga, meditation and stretching exercises for kids may help prevent pediatric anxiety.

This means that Dahn Yoga classes may help kids find some much-needed relaxation. After all, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one-quarter of 13- to 18-year-olds are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

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18
Nov 11

World’s oldest yoga instructor teaches stretching exercises for seniors

Living past 90 is an accomplishment in and of itself, but how about being a nonagenarian with a job as a yoga teacher? Now that's one for the record books! Just ask Bernice Mary Bates about it. At 91, she is the oldest person in the world to teach stretching exercises for seniors.

As part of Guinness World Records Day, which is held every year on November 17, Bates was given the official title of world's oldest yoga instructor, according to Reuters. The previous record-holder was 89-year-old UK resident Gladys Morris.

Among other records set that day were the biggest hula hoop workout, the largest group of people simultaneously dressed as leprechauns (that one was in Dublin) and the largest cream tea party, the news source noted.

"I'm truly overwhelmed," Bates told the Guinness World Records Association. "I'll continue with yoga for as long as I can." Given the benefits of yoga for healthy aging, that will likely be for years to come.

For your information, the world's youngest yoga instructor is 6-year-old Shruti Pandey of India.

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Stretching Exercises — 1 Comment
8
Nov 11

Shoulder stretching exercises can relieve upper-body pain

If you suffer from shoulder problems, you know that a little relief can be hard to come by. Besides surgical treatments, the options available to people with chronic shoulder ailments are essentially limited to expensive prescription medications, dicey herbal supplements and plenty of bed rest. But beyond these sometimes undesirable treatments, yoga-based shoulder stretching exercises may be able to do the trick.

Joint problems are exceedingly common in the U.S., especially among the elderly. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shoulder problems alone account for more than 7 million doctor's visits each year.

In a survey conducted in 2006, the CDC found that 9 percent of American adults reported experiencing shoulder pains in the prior 30 days.

It's little wonder, really. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that the shoulder is prone to any number of injuries and conditions, particularly with age. These include torn rotator cuffs, arthritis and bursitis.

The organization recommends resting the joint as soon as it begins to ache or show signs of wear and tear. Using stretching exercises for seniors may be an effective way to gradually rebuild strength in a sore shoulder.

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