Fitness trends come and go. One that has endured is Yoga. It’s become a global movement favored by busy moms, athletes, and seniors.
Yes, make fun all you want about the “downward dog” or “cow.” However, it’s been medically proven that yoga has outstanding physical and mental benefits. Who knows of any other workout that’s celebrated across the globe annually?
Many think it’s a fairly new concept. With its placement in pop culture, it’s understandable. But believe it or not, the practice is an ancient ritual.
No wonder it’s the preferred workout for over 60s. For example, doing chair yoga as a senior does wonders for stiff joints and recovering from injuries. Likewise, the treatment provides many additional benefits. Let’s highlight why it’s a hot favorite for celebs and common people alike.
Yoga Could Treat Depression
We’ve heard about all the wonderful payoffs of doing yoga. Consistency seems to be the key.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that yoga’s health-promoting benefits were all-encompassing. Senior living communities offer chair yoga exercises as a way of counteracting a sedentary lifestyle. No matter your fitness level, anyone can do chair yoga therapy.
Researchers are also advocating for incorporating yoga alongside therapy and medication in treating depression and mental health.
During a randomized trial, the University of Queensland made an exciting discovery. They established that yoga was about as effective as cognitive behavior therapy.
Celebs Who’ve Taken on Yoga
The weight tends to accumulate around your hips. The swelling beneath the eyes becomes more noticeable.
We wonder how stars like Jane Fonda and Angela Bassett still keep their youthful looks. Certainly, there have probably been some aesthetic treatments. Their bodies are as fit as those of a 20-year-old. What is their secret? Yoga!
Jane Fonda, Age 86
Many of us grew up watching old Jane Fonda exercise videos on VHS in the 1980s. They were dubbed the “Jane Fonda workout method.” The actress made her high-octane moves seem easy. They were far from that.
During the pandemic, she replaced her famous workout routine with another form of exercise. Taking TikTok by storm, Fonda gained a new generation of fans, reigniting her fitness influencer status.
Celebrated for her activism and illustrious career, Fonda will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.
Sting, Age 72
Arguably the poster boy for yoga, British singer Sting has long sung the beneficial praises of yogism. From his chiseled arms to his well-documented “stamina,” Sting admitted that two decades of doing yoga had granted him 20 decades to his career.
The singer practices Ashtanga, which combines physical and mental strength, about two or three times a week. He credits it as the reason why he is still able to perform on stage.
Unlike other celebrities, Sting incorporates the ritual into all facets of his life. He’s a big believer in Karma Yoga – service to the world.
Angela Bassett, Age 65
Angela Bassett keeps herself motivated by doing an assortment of intense yoga sessions. The actress is best known for taking on action roles, with her latest being a cop in the ABC series 911.
To maintain her enviable abs, she has a clean eating diet and exercises twice a day. According to The Root, Bassett rotates her weekly meal plan between carbs and vegetables.
Along with Mel Brooks, she was awarded an honorary Oscar earlier this year at the Governors Awards.
Russel Simmons, Age 66
When Usher and Russel Simmons were pictured at a yoga retreat in April this year, netizens were shocked by his youthful appearance.
The controversial hip-hop mogul has long been a staunch supporter of yoga and its spiritual belief system. He even went as far as opening the Tantris Center for Yogic Science in Los Angeles a few years back.
The Def Jam record boss often posts yoga-inspired videos and pictures on his Instagram account. However, yoga might not be the sole factor in maintaining his good looks. Simmons recently shared photos of himself exiting a cryogenic therapy chamber.
Whether you love or hate it, yoga has transformed millions of people’s lives. It has improved their life satisfaction and mental well-being.
The ancient Indian tradition continues to endure without any signs of fading away. It symbolizes the ideal balance between humanity and the natural world. According to Jigar Gor, the essence of yoga lies not in touching your toes but in the wisdom gained throughout the process.