Yoga is renowned for its ability to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, but for individuals with joint issues or limited mobility, traditional yoga practices can sometimes be challenging. This is where gentle and joint-friendly yoga comes into play. At Yoga Flowly, we specialise in offering accessible and inclusive yoga classes designed to accommodate all bodies, especially those dealing with joint pain, arthritis, have limited mobility or other musculoskeletal problems.
Here’s why gentle and joint-friendly yoga could be the perfect addition to your wellness routine.
Understanding Gentle and Joint-Friendly Yoga
Gentle yoga emphasises slow, deliberate movements and breathwork, making it ideal for beginners, seniors, and anyone recovering from injury. Joint-friendly yoga, on the other hand, focuses specifically on protecting and strengthening the joints, with modifications and props to support each pose. This combination ensures a safe, effective practice that minimises strain while maximising benefits.
Key Benefits of Gentle and Joint-Friendly Yoga
Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Gentle yoga helps to gradually increase flexibility and range of motion. Through mindful stretching and sustained poses, you can enhance joint flexibility without pushing your body too hard. This can be particularly beneficial for those with arthritis or other joint conditions, as it helps to maintain and improve joint health over time.
Enhanced Strength and Stability
Strengthening the muscles around the joints can alleviate pain and improve stability. Gentle and joint-friendly yoga incorporates poses that build muscle strength in a controlled manner, providing the support your joints need to function more effectively and reducing the risk of injury.
Pain Relief and Management
Regular practice of gentle yoga can help manage chronic pain. The slow, mindful movements and emphasis on breathwork promote relaxation and release tension, which can alleviate pain in the joints. Additionally, the increased blood flow from gentle exercise helps to reduce inflammation.
Stress Reduction and Mental Wellbeing
Yoga is not just about physical benefits; it also significantly impacts mental health. The calming nature of gentle yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate physical pain. By fostering a peaceful state of mind, yoga supports overall wellbeing, making it easier to cope with daily challenges.
Increased Awareness and Mind-Body Connection
Gentle yoga encourages a deep connection between the mind and body. This increased awareness can help you recognise and respond to your body's needs more effectively. By practicing mindfulness, you can better manage pain, improve your mental state, and foster a positive outlook on life.
What to Expect in a Gentle and Joint-Friendly Yoga Class
The joint-friendly classes at Yoga Flowly are created and lead by Rachel Atkins, an experienced yoga and movement instructor with a personal journey in managing rheumatoid arthritis, so you'll receive guidance from someone who truly understands your needs.
Here’s what you can expect:
Safe Yoga Modifications for Joint Health: Every class is created with poses and movements that are gentle on joints but can also strengthen joints over time. There are modifications for each pose to meet the unique needs of your body and props are provided to ensure comfort and safety.
Supportive Environment: Our classes are non-competitive and welcoming, allowing you to move at your own pace and listen to your body.
Variety and Fun: Expect gentle yoga poses, mindful movement, stretching and Qi-Gong fused together so classes are fun and varied.
Join Us at Yoga Flowly
Whether you’re new to yoga or looking for a practice that respects your body’s limitations, our gentle and joint-friendly yoga classes offer a nurturing space to explore the benefits of yoga. Join us at Yoga Flowly for in-person session and online sessions(launching soon) and discover how mindful movement can transform your physical and mental wellbeing.
For more information and to book a class, visit Yoga Flowly or email rachel@yogaflowly.com
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