Product review: QiYoga DVD
Gentle exercise is a great way for older people to remain supple and healthy – and a new DVD means many can now do specially-designed exercises in the comfort of their own homes. Robert Mair reports.
In this article:
The benefits of exercise
QiYoga: For Seniors
Use it or lose it
Fiona Kaczmarcyk
The benefits of exercise
Exercise is crucial to maintaining healthy bones and muscles. But for many older people, it’s something of a conundrum; it may be good for the body, but it can also be dangerous, increasing the risk of falls and injury if done incorrectly.
Some forms of exercise – such as tai-chi or yoga – are popular with older people as they provide a gentle work out, help with balance and improve coordination. But while there are many tai-chi and yoga classes targeted specifically at older people, there’s little in the way of specialist exercises that can be done at home – despite the plethora of general exercise and fitness DVDs available in the shops.
QiYoga: For Seniors
However, one new DVD on the market, QiYoga: For Seniors, is designed especially for older people, and presents 3 different yoga sessions for all abilities – Sofa, Chair and Mat – enabling even those with limited mobility to take part and build confidence.
The DVD is designed to provide a number of different benefits, including:
• Strengthening the body
• Increasing flexibility
• Easing pain
• Preventing stiffness
• Relaxing the mind
• Improving circulation
For many older people, particularly those who are more frail or unsteady on their feet, such exercises could build confidence and improve stability, as well as strengthening bones and muscles.
Use it or lose it
Indeed, the adage ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ is true for older people – and especially those who do not often exercise. This can lead to muscle wastage, which in turn can lead to trips and falls. Therefore, maintaining healthy bones and muscles is paramount if people are to stay fit into older age.
QiYoga is a great way for people to achieve this, due to its three different levels of exercise. Derived from 2 branches of yoga, Hatha Yoga from India and the Chinese Qigong (hence QiYoga), the exercises can also improve breathing and relieve stress – which is an excellent by-product of an essentially physical, albeit gentle, work-out.
Fiona Kaczmaryck
The lessons on the DVD are taught by Fiona Kaczmarcyk, an established and well-respected instructor and founder of the QiYoga movement. Having spent her entire career researching and learning appropriate movements, this ensure all of the routines on the DVD are tailored for older people.
Handy hints and tips can be found on the inner sleeve of the DVD, as well as a reminder about staying hydrated and a warning not to overstretch. However, the font on the inner sleeve is somewhat small and may be difficult to read for someone with poor eyesight.
The routines are presented in a clear and simple manner, ensuring it is easy to follow and each session is gently-paced and built around calm, flowing movements. Appropriate meditation time is also included, giving people the chance to relax post-routine.
QiYoga: For Seniors costs £12.99.
For more information on QiYoga, visit www.QiYoga.org.uk.
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