Senior starting yoga for first time

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi all,

I am an out of shape senior with osteoarthritis and am hoping for help with doing yoga. I have a dvd for low back pain. Then I will start a beginners one before starting classes. I am doing these at home and have already picked out a yoga studio when I feel physically ready . I am wondering how flexible I should be before starting at the studio. It will be a beginners hatha class. I am really looking forward to yoga as a part of my life and since I am retired I will be able to go several times a week. I need this physically, mentally and socially . So any help you can give me will be appreciated. Thank you

#2

I’d first be curious to know your age. I am 63 plus and still don’t consider myself to be a senior.
Not sure what is right or wrong , but I got into shape first by building up my core and upper body. Part of my overall workout was a yoga DVD which after a year and a half I really got to love.
I took the plunge and slid right into a yoga flow class and have been loving it for about 8 months. I feel that being in decent shape before I took the class helped me.
I will say that there is nothing like a good instructor to teach and motivate. I have grown and learned a great deal through my class.
My advice is to keep at it. Don’t be discouraged if things seem tough or impossible. It is a process and the process can be different for each person.

Best wishes for your journey.

#3

Hello Cody,

I’m warmed (internally) to hear your story of beginning Yoga. It is a testament to the fact that we, as human beings, can always move forward, grow, change, transform, and reinvent ourselves, no matter what.

The question you’ve posed is how flexible you need to be (physically, I presume) before attending a beginner’s hatha class. You may start now. The only true requirement for flexibility on the path of Yoga is the flexibility of mind.

In the physical practice we use the body as the conduit for self-exploration. Obviously a stiff person and supple person have this available to them equally, even though their poses may not look the same. You are learning about you through the realm that we most easily identify with - the body.

Go and have a blast. In that process please avoid two common things; forcing/aggression/violence in the doing and performing/showing off/competing.

Enjoy!

gordon

#4

I would like to thank both of you that answered my question. I am a 70 year old female. For many years I was a Pilates guru and was in wonderful shape and healthy. Now at my age with the Arthritis I feel that the stretching and care of yoga will be best for me. I intend to work and get in the best shape I can at this age. I feel I’m a young senior and intend to prove it. I am so glad I found this forum and look forward to getting inspiration and help from everyone. So thanks again.