The Lighter Side of Yoga

In this somewhat-belated April Fool’s Day post, let’s take a look at a few light-hearted reasons why midlife adults definitely need to check out yoga. Because let's be real, sometimes getting older feels like it's all about creaky joints and doctors on speed dial! Can yoga save the day (or at least your aching back)? First, a few (unexpected) benefits of yoga in midlife:

1. Find out if it's possible to sweat out all your wrinkles
2. Have an excuse to buy more comfy yoga pants
3. Be able to put on your pants while standing (without falling over)
4. Show your friends on social media that Helen Mirren and Denzel Washington are not the only hot septuagenarians. (Technically Denzel turns 69 this year… close enough!)
5. Shock your kids & grandkids, scoring major “cool” points as they brag to all their friends (believe me, they will!)
6. Act like a cat, a cow, a dog, a pigeon, a lizard, and a tree without anyone questioning your sanity
7. Have an excuse to use words like “chaturanga" and "namaste" in everyday conversation
8. Discover what “savasana” is, and why you’ll beg for it every week!

Now let's get really real. As we age, it becomes even more important to prioritize our physical and mental health. While there are lots of ways to stay healthy and active, yoga has emerged as a widely popular practice for older adults. Why? Check out a few of yoga's top benefits:

1. Eases muscle & joint pain and stiffness (toss that heating pad!)
2. Reduces stress, anxiety and depression (yes, retired people still get stressed!)
3. Improves balance and coordination, (or would you rather be muttering the infamous, "I've fallen and I can't get up")
4. Increases energy and stamina, while also improving the quality of sleep (anyone else here awake at 3:00 AM?)

What’s the most important reason that older adults should start a yoga practice? To remind yourself that it’s never too late to try something new.

Why not begin your yoga journey this week? Here are a few ways to get started:

• Check out the Midlife Yoga & Wellness YouTube channel for dozens of free, 5-minute yoga videos. Build yoga confidence one basic pose at at time.
• Register for a payment-optional Gentle Beginnings Yoga class, live on Zoom
• Rent a 60-minute On Demand Midlife Yoga video and try a yoga class on for size, repeating as often as you’d like, for 7 days
• Join me for this week's Midlife Yoga class. We’ll be starting a whole new sequence for Spring, so jump in now and learn along with everyone else. Plus, if you can't make it live, you'll have access to the class recording for 7 days.

Discover how light-hearted the yoga experience can be!

Dip a toe in the water,

~ Rosemary