Whole-Body Wellness Challenge: 10-Minute SilverSneakers Yoga Routine

Settle in for a soothing workout that will leave you feeling calm, confident, and refreshed.

The Whole-Body Wellness Challenge is rooted in the understanding that health isn’t just about fitness. This month, we’re sharing fun and easy ways to bring everything you love about SilverSneakers classes and your time at the gym to other areas of your life. You’ll find workouts, tips, and activities to help you build strength, eat healthier, sleep sounder, and be more present in your life so you can feel good—body, mind and spirit. 

Life can be busy—and our minds even more so. Maybe you think about your to-do list during your morning workout class. Or you scroll through Facebook while you eat dinner and watch TV.  

Being productive is a great thing. But when we’re always looking to the next thing or multi-tasking to the extreme, we can lose our connection to what we’re doing or how we’re feeling. For example, how was your intensity during your morning workout? Did you feel satisfied after dinner?  

There are loads of benefits to practicing mindfulness, which means paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness can help you reduce stress, boost memory, and even help combat symptoms of depression.   

One of our favorite ways to practice mindfulness is with SilverSneakers Yoga. It’s a great way to slow down and focus on your breath.  

“Each one of our yoga classes takes you through gentle movements that not only benefit your body—but your mind too,” says SilverSneakers instructor Shannon Thigpen. And the best part: You don’t have to get down on the floor or be able to bend like a pretzel to join in.   

How to Use This 10-Minute Yoga Routine 

You’ll just need yourself and some open floor space. Really! You won’t need a yoga mat or any special props to join us. You can even keep your shoes on—in fact, we recommend it. But do feel free to use a sturdy chair to do any of these poses seated, or for standing support.   

“A chair is a tool you can use to be successful,” says Shannon.    

When you’re ready, press play and follow along as Shannon takes you through variations on essential yoga moves that you may see in a SilverSneakers LIVE or an in-person class. This way, “everyone can be successful,” says Shannon.  

Let the music calm you. Deepen your breathing as is comfortable for you. And remember to use the chair for balance. Come back to this practice as often as you need.   

As always, safety is key. The exercises here may be different or more advanced than those you’ll experience in a SilverSneakers class. If you have a chronic condition, an injury, or balance issues, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.    

Bonus Challenge: Try a SilverSneakers Yoga Class 

SilverSneakers Yoga is a 45-minute class that is truly beginner friendly. You’ll be guided through a series of seated and standing yoga poses designed to increase flexibility, balance, and range of motion. It makes a great complement to an active lifestyle, or as a way to gently ease into movement—no matter your goals. It’s offered both in-person at participating SilverSneakers fitness locations (review the gym’s schedule for exact times), or online with SilverSneakers LIVE. See the latest SilverSneakers LIVE schedule and RSVP for classes here.  

Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly!   

SilverSneakers members can go to thousands of gyms and fitness locations across the nation, plus take SilverSneakers LIVE online classes that are designed for seniors of all levels. If you have a Medicare plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.    

Not eligible for SilverSneakers? You can still get 200+ free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us by creating your online account.