I love doing yoga. I started practicing it about six years ago. I started gradually going to one class once a week, then I bought a DVD, and then another. Pretty soon, I was using the videos and the class, and before I knew it, I was getting really good at it.More… Once, a woman on the yoga mat next to me said I had great form. I stuck with it for about a year, right up until I was in my fifth month with my first kid. It’s been five and a half years and I’m only just now starting to get back in the groove.

I think I’m a late bloomer. I finally learned to swim when I was 35. And I love that too. But yoga really touched a cord in me. I hate gyms–I can’t stand the smell, there are always way too many people, and I do not like locker rooms. The only way I can remotely tolerate the monotony of a stationary bike, or elliptical trainer is if I have a good book to read. The only way I’d do the treadmill is if something good is on the television it would have to be facing. And I believe I’ve established in an earlier blog post that I am not the outdoorsy type [Despite actually spending time in sleep-away camps as a kid, I do not “camp.” Perish the thought]. I’ve always thought of exercise as a chore – until I found yoga and swimming.

Before finding a great class near my home, I viewed yoga as something that only skinny people could do. Who else could bend into those positions? I am most decidedly not thin. But yoga is actually very welcoming. Here’s something else about yoga: it’s totally compatible with aging. Poses [called asanas] aid flexibility and balance. A regular yoga practice eases stress, strengthens and stretches muscles, aids breathing and focus, and may even slow weight gain. Poses can be modified so you can even do them in a chair. How can you not love a regimen that has props to actually help you get into a pose? Sweet.

Try and find a yoga class near you. Talk it over with your health care provider. Quite a few senior centers now offer classes. The American Senior Fitness Association calls yoga “an exercise program for all ages.” Check out their web site at http://www.seniorfitness.org/YOGA.htm. Some classes are even given free online, and DVDs are available. However, I strongly recommend taking a class first if at possible. It helps to work with an instructor first to get the proper alignment and avoid injury. Write and let me know what you think of it.

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