As a longtime yoga instructor, I know that holding our breath is not recommended for seniors. Yet, I often see clients restrict their breathing, while straining to hear me. When we limit oxygen intake, the heart produces distressing symptoms.

Mary, who has impaired hearing, is one example. Frequently she experienced the kind of chest pains that once sent her to the ER for a “nothing wrong” diagnosis. During fitness class one day, her chest pains were back.