The Role of Yogic Exercises in Building Muscles for All Ages

After the age of 45 when one is not generally accustomed to taking any physical exercises the practice of Yogic asanas may prove rather discomforting at first. The rigidity of the muscles begins to manifest itself after that age. Certain muscular movements produce a discomforting sensation of stretching of the muscles.

The spine loses its elasticity after the age of 45 and its bending in all directions plays an important part in all the Yogic asanas. Yet this ought not to deter an elderly person from undertaking the practice of Yogic physical culture. These obstacles can be easily overcome if the asanas are practiced in stages. The latter, however, are not mentioned in the Yogic literature of old. They help in reaching the final pose, and they also give a preliminary training to the muscles concerned in maintaining it. The Yogic seers were only concerned with the final pose, no matter how it was achieved. It may take a longer time for an elder person to reach a perfect pose but it would be worth it.

Regularity and persistence should be observed in practicing the exercises but on no account should the asanas be done hurriedly or violently. If you are pressed for time, reduce the number of repetitions of each exercise and the retaining time of the pose. "Women should suspend all the Yogic exercises during the periods of menstruation and of pregnancy. Whichever set of asanas is selected for practice never change its order and adhere to that set tenaciously, till you have mastered all the exercises of that particular group. Try to do the whole set at one sitting, and endeavor to retain the final pose for a longer and longer period every day. The time of retention can be easily measured mentally by counting number by repeating mantras of one's selection, or by concentrating on one's own respiratory rhythm. These essentials should be kept in mind if one wishes to reap the maximum benefit from the practice of asanas. The asanas also have a spiritual significance and prepare one for the practice of the further and more advanced branches of Yoga.