Yoga Class
Adaptive yoga for people over 50
Let’s explore why yogic practices should be embraced by all and how to get started so you can experience its many benefits.
Adaptive yoga is a style of yoga that is designed to accommodate all bodies and abilities. My classes are open to people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, and provide multiple variations so that the poses can be tailored to meet individual needs. Each class lasts 60 minutes and it is recommended to practice at least twice a week to maximize the benefits of the practice. Adaptive Yoga allows for modifications that can be implemented to make the poses more comfortable and accessible, while still providing a challenging and beneficial experience for the practitioner. This style of yoga is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, and it can be used to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellbeing.
Essentials of Yoga / Gentle Yoga
Yoga for shoulders, core and hips, building flexibility, mobility and strength
Intro to Vinyasa / Yoga Flow
In Adelaide, I am offering this class since 2020 at Brain & Body Fitness Studio a service of The Hospital Research Foundation
To learn more about this revolutionary approach run by Parkinson’s SA click here.
Reference from Brain X Body Fitness Studio
Tayla Haslam
Accredited Exercise PhysiologistBrain x Body Fitness studio state manager
Andriza Freitas has been providing services to The Brain x Body Fitness Studio since opening our doors in January 2020. Andriza has slowly built the dance and yoga classes over time and has been a reliable and integral contributor to the studio’s success thus far.
Andriza is a passionate yoga and dance instructor and her upbeat and cheerful nature make her a pleasure to work with in the studio. Andriza enthusiastic nature allows her to build relationships with all her students, no matter their age, ability, or gender.
Andriza is always looking for new ways to challenge her students and is always willing to learn and grow as an instructor. Throughout her time at The Brain x Body Fitness Studio, Andriza has had to increase her knowledge and awareness surrounding many conditions and diseases, specifically Parkinson’s disease. Andriza can confidently understand her limits and always seeks guidance, education, and support from the Exercise Physiologists to work safely and effectively with all students.
Andriza has not only excelled at teaching dance and yoga but she also nurtures a sense of community with every class she teaches. Andriza shares the studio’s attitude which encourages social engagement between members and staff.
Andriza has been involved in creating and rehearsing a dance routine to perform with the BBFS dance members at the annual Parkinson’s conference held in Adelaide in 2022. This was a primary example of where Andriza has created a strong community within the group who performed together. While many were nervous about performing, Andriza’s energetic yet calming nature encouraged the women to step outside of their comfort zone to perform and it was a huge success. Andriza has been and will continue to be an asset at The Brain x Body Fitness Studio and we look forward to watching her continue to grow and learn as a dance and yoga instructor.
Benefits of yoga classes for people over 50
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is known for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. While it is suitable for people of all ages, yoga can be particularly beneficial for individuals over 50. As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and incorporating yoga into our routine can help us maintain flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of yoga for people over 50.
One of the most noticeable changes that occur as we age is a decrease in flexibility. Yoga poses, or asanas, gently stretch and lengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, helping to improve flexibility and range of motion. This increased flexibility can make everyday activities easier and reduce the risk of injuries.
Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise that helps build strength in the muscles and bones. As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes crucial for overall health and independence. Yoga poses that require balance, such as tree pose or warrior III, can also help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Many older adults struggle with sleep disturbances or insomnia. Regular yoga practice can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and calming the mind. Certain yoga poses, such as legs-up-the-wall pose or reclining bound angle pose, can be particularly beneficial for inducing a state of relaxation and preparing the body for a restful night’s sleep.
Chair yoga is low-impact, meaning it won’t put too much strain on the body. It can improve flexibility, balance, and strength, and can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help improve posture, which is especially important for people over 50 as it can help with back pain and reduce the risk of falls. Chair yoga can also help with breathing, circulation, and digestion, and can improve overall wellbeing.
Regular yoga practice can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, which are common issues for older adults. The gentle movements and stretches in yoga help lubricate the joints, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This can provide relief for conditions such as arthritis and promote better joint health.
Participating in yoga classes provides an opportunity for social interaction and connection with like-minded individuals. Joining a yoga community can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be common among older adults. Building relationships and sharing experiences with others can contribute to overall happiness and well-being.
Yoga encourages a mind-body connection, allowing individuals to become more aware of their bodies and their needs. This heightened awareness can help older adults listen to their bodies, prevent injuries, and make healthier choices in their daily lives. By practicing yoga, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their physical and mental well-being.
Yoga offers numerous benefits for people over 50. From increased flexibility and strength to reduced stress and improved sleep, yoga can enhance overall physical and mental well-being. Incorporating yoga into a daily routine can help older adults maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Testimonials
I am 54 years old. I have done the yoga for the last 12 months and gym the last 10 years off and on. Previous to that I did play basketball. I think there's a great saying if you don't use it you will lose it. I feel better within myself, mentally and physically better when I'm exercising. I can list some benefits as: feel happier, less stressed, better movement physically, self-confident... Andriza is an excellent teacher of yoga she takes in considerations people's varied abilities and limited movement supports them through the stretches. I find her classes very beneficial for me because it helps me stretch my muscles that are tenses. Relaxes my mind and relieves my stress.
- Sherryn Pillans
My name is Marion Meakin, I am 54 years old and I have been practicing yoga for one year now along with other gym classes. It’s become important to me as I have some neck issues and I want to keep everything mobile. Since doing yoga in particular I’ve gained more movement and less pain in my neck and upper back then I’ve had in years and have become more supple in general. I also think that putting time aside for myself & escaping mentally for the her class hugely beneficial in our fast paced world. I would recommend Andriza as a yoga instructor to any age group as she adapts exercises to suit the individual and makes you feel very comfortable whether we are working on our own or with a partner. At the end of my yoga class with Andriza I feel calm relaxed and well stretched out and valued as a person plus we all enjoy the massage at the end.
- Marion Meakin
I've been practicing Hatha Yoga for 6 years and my mood and health have improved a lot ever since. My chronic shoulder blade pain has disappeared. It seems that by modelling my body I also model my emotions, because I've been feeling much better. What I like the most abut yoga is that I can practice it by myself, and even if I don't feel like doing it, my body asks for the next position without repetition, which makes it pleasant. I still attend yoga classes. Andriza Freitas was my teacher in Camaqua and I loved her classes. She was a teacher who left a mark - always attentive to students, careful and respectful of everyone's individuality, but at the same time she motivated students to evolve. She was a vibrant and motivated teacher, and successfully transmitted her willpower to students, which is fundamental for improvement.
- Vera Regino | Sant'Anna, Brazil
