WHEN I WAS 52, I set off on a journey to Kerala in India and spent a month in an Ashram to become a Yoga Teacher. I was menopausal, I had put on weight and my marriage was on the rocks! I know it sounds a bit like “Eat Pray Love” but it wasn’t anything like that!
We didn’t get much to eat as we only had 2 meals a day. It was more chanting mantras than praying and as for love well…. Celibacy was part of the spiritual discipline and was encouraged during your stay.
It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but the most rewarding and exciting 4 weeks. At the end of it (yes! I did make it to the end) just! I emerged a qualified Yoga Teacher, a new woman, and my life changed forever. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done!
So forgive me if I am a little bit biased when I say that Yoga is one of the best exercises for everyone, but particularly over 50’s.
It can be a daily practise or part of a mixed routine as it fully compliments and improves performance for other activities like soccer, running and cycling. Regular practise helps to balance all the systems of the body including the Respiratory, Digestive and Endocrine (hormones) systems.
Yoga improves flexibility of muscles, mobilises the joints and helps maintain bone density, which is very important as we get older, to help us avoid osteoporosis and broken bones. Yoga improves circulation which is vital for reducing high blood pressure and regulating the heart rate to avoid heart disease and strokes.
I was a fitness fanatic in the late 80’s and 90’s and too much high impact from competitive aerobics and teaching eventually took its toll on my body, especially the joints. I also developed an inner ear condition as a result of too much pounding. That’s when I decided it was time to find another way of taking care of my body. I retired from teaching aerobics and decided to become a Yoga Teacher.
So, if you are finding that running or other high impact exercise is beginning to put a strain on your body and the joints, especially the knees and ankles, then it’s time to start switching to Yoga.
Yoga postures are non-violent movements and so there is no build-up of lactic acid in the muscle fibres or the necessity to recover which means it can be practised every day, whereas working out in the gym and other sports activities that are designed to develop muscles produce large amounts of lactic acid in the muscle fibres, causing fatigue and the need to recover.
There are many other benefits from practising Yoga, some I’ve already mentioned but to add to the list Yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety, lowers your heart rate, makes you feel happier and mentally and emotionally more balanced. Yoga improves your posture and may reduce chronic pain. Because Yoga is so relaxing it helps to improve your sleep, both the amount and quality of your sleep.
The ability to balance involves both our body and the brain, and when we practise this helps us with coordination and maintaining our agility. Yoga helps us to become more aware of our body, becoming more mindful, alerting us to anything that doesn’t feel right so we can correct it before it goes too far.
If you’re just getting started, go to a class with a qualified Yoga Teacher rather than watching videos to ensure you’re getting the proper alignment with guidance from the teacher.
To begin with its not essential to go out and buy a lot of equipment (in case it’s a five-day wonder and you decide Yoga isn’t for you). A specific Yoga mat is a good investment as it will help to protect your joints, allow you to grip with your hands and feet, and tends not to be too thick and affect your ability to balance.
All the props can be found initially in and around your home. A folded-up bath towel or a cushion can be used in place of a Yoga block, a soft belt, a hand towel or an old tie can be used instead of a Yoga strap. A small blanket to keep warm for the relaxation or just add a few extra layers of clothes, socks and a sweatshirt to stay warm. Once you decide you love Yoga then you can go out and treat yourself to some Yoga props!
Oh, and one more thing: Yoga physically and mentally turns the ageing process around – it’s my Fountain of Youth and Rejuvenation, it could be yours too!
Enjoy
Namaste!
Laura McGlennon
Biography: Laura McGlennon is a Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals. Laura runs the Mind Body Yoga initiative, which combines yoga with Mindfulness and Meditation Practices.
