yoga for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weaker and more fragile, which increases the risk of fractures occurring. It also affects a person’s posture, causing it to become stooped or flexed.
My Yoga for Osteoporosis classes are informed by the work of Dr. Loren Fishman, a medical doctor and yoga teacher who has conducted a major study on the bone-building benefits of yoga for osteoporosis.
The Benefits of Yoga for Osteoporosis
Yoga builds and preserves strong bones. As we stretch and strengthen muscles, we exert many hundreds of pounds of pressure on the bones to which they are attached, but in a gradual, nontraumatic, and self-regulating way. This increases bone mineral density by stimulating bone growth.
Yoga improves balance, posture, coordination, strength, flexibility and gait. In turn, each of these benefits reduces the risk of falls, which are the main cause of osteoporotic fractures.
Yoga is impact-free and very safe, even for those who have already suffered osteoporotic fractures. The use of carefully chosen and adapted yoga poses enables us to strengthen bones and build muscular strength without endangering joints.
Tuesday
10am – 11am
In the comfort of your own home!
(online, via Zoom)
Classes are bookable in 6-week blocks, costing £42.
This course will start on 6th June, 2023. There will be 6 weekly classes, ending on 11th July, 2023.
The style of yoga I teach is Dru Yoga – a gentle, flowing style of yoga that is designed to be practised by people of all abilities, all fitness levels and all age groups.
No one is too inflexible, too overweight, too old or too unfit! You don’t have to tie yourself in knots or stand on your head, and you don’t have to be female!
Dru Yoga is for everyone and you’ll be surprised how quickly your body becomes more flexible when you practice regularly.
In Dru Yoga, joints are kept relaxed and soft during movement and all movements originate from the spine because a flexible, healthy spine supports your entire yoga practice.
The spinal wave and spinal twist are core features of Dru Yoga, enhancing spinal health and vitality, and a deep understanding of core stability is a major focus.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
Before attending your first class you will need to complete this health questionnaire.
Things to know before you attend…
Please wear comfortable clothes you can bend and stretch in easily and that you won’t have to fiddle with whilst standing on one leg!
Our bodies tend to cool down during the relaxation at the end of the class so have a jumper, blanket and some cosy socks to hand, even in the warmer months.
Yoga is usually practiced barefoot to improve the strength and flexibility of the foot, as well as your balance, but if you wish to leave your socks on, that’s fine. Please just be aware that socked feet can slip, even on a non-slip mat.
You will need very little equipment – just a yoga mat, a sturdy dining chair and a cushion or pillow. Please have a drink handy too, preferably water.
It is advisable to wait at least two hours after eating to practice yoga and you will feel better if that meal is light. Alternatively, have a light snack about an hour before class to keep you going.
Most importantly, you know your body better than anybody else. Please listen to your body throughout the class and never do anything that causes strain, makes you hold your breath or hurts. If you are unsure, please ask me to explain; your question will probably help others in the class too.
“DRU YOGA SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN EVERY GP SURGERY.”
~ Dr. Hilary Jones