Why more people are turning to yoga in later life!
I’ve been sharing yoga with groups and individuals of all ages for over 40 years. I was lucky to discover yoga when I was in my teens and it has helped me to cope with the challenges life has thrown at me. I’m a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher and the more I teach, the more I realise that yoga is attracting people of all ages who want to learn more about the benefits it can bring.
Over the past few months I have seen an increase in the number of those in their later years who are taking up yoga both in classes and in one to one yoga sessions. A regular yoga practice can help to maintain strength and mobility and support mental wellbeing too and this is what many of my clients tell me they are looking to find for themselves.
So what is the appeal of hatha yoga?
As we age, our bodies change. Sensitivity in the feet and hands can diminish, muscle strength reduces and things like eyesight and hearing also undergo changes. These are the things which help us to know where we are (proprioception) and to adjust quickly if things change, like finding a bump in the pavement or encountering a slippery surface. You might find it more difficult to lift heavy items and dexterity can become a problem too.
It’s not all bad news though – we can do something about it!
Those of you who were aware of yoga many years ago may be associating practising yoga with bendy poses, footless tights, slippery lycra leggings or even ballet leotards (yes really – that’s all there was at the time!). You won’t catch me wearing those now and in the same way that yoga clothing has moved on (think joggers, bamboo leggings, sports gear …) so has the practice of yoga itself.
Yoga teachers today recognise the need for a balanced practice and finding the ideal combination of strength and flexibility. Put these two things together and you have mobility – a much better way to think about the long term gains of practising yoga. Add in some great breathing and meditation techniques and your ability to manage anxiety and cope in daily life improves too.
So if you’ve heard that building muscle is good for you, regaining strength is something you want, easing joints and muscles back into action is one of your goals, then come and have a chat with me about what yoga can do for you! And if all those things are still functioning well for you then yoga can help you to keep it that way and support your mental wellbeing too. It can help your running, cycling, swimming and other activities too.
I’m based at the Woodbridge Complementary Health Centre in Sandy Lane, Martlesham on Monday and Wednesday afternoons/early evening and due to popular demand Thursday mornings as well. I’m online on Thursday afternoons/early evenings and lead daytime classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
You can have a free consultation with me by phone/zoon and at Sandy Lane – why not call 01394 388234 and book yours? Or email info@wchc.info.
More information is on my website www.izzyyoga.co.uk so have a look, get in touch and join the growing numbers of people who are discovering the benefits of yoga at all stages of life!
Izzy Ixer BWY Dip, MCMI