Yoga After 60? Tips for Getting Started BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON
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after my 60th birthday, I committed to starting a yoga practice. I had heard enough to know that it would be good for me, YAY! and I was ready to jump right in. Oops… Let’s just say that I got off to a rough start. So, I regrouped, did some research, and started over. I am so glad that I did, so pleased that I didn’t give up after a false start, because what yoga’s given me is immeasurable. If you are over 60 and thinking about making yoga a part of your life, I applaud you! I also know that you may have some concerns – Am I too old, too unfit/overweight/fragile? Will I feel out of place among people who know what they’re doing? Can I learn this? Do I want to put this “pressure” on myself? I hear you and I understand your concerns. Instead of “jumping right in,” as I did on my well-intentioned false start, consider the following: t Check in with your doctor Ask her if there is any medical reason that you shouldn’t practice yoga. Ask if there are any aspects of your health (such as a tricky knee, osteoporosis, or a past surgery) that you should mention to a yoga instructor in advance of a class, so that they can guide you to prevent injury. t Watch a few online classes Be sure to bypass the 60-minute power-yoga videos and instead look for titles that specifically indicate they are for those over 60. Also look for words like “beginner” or “gentle” in the title. These classes will give you a sense of the pace, rhythm, and type of positions and moves you are likely to experience in a real-time class. t Find the right venue and teacher Google “Yoga Winston-Salem” to immediately access many local yoga options. Read the reviews for those that sound like a potential fit. If something piques your interest, e-mail or call to inquire about beginner classes. Most instructors have experience with students who are new to yoga and will understand your questions and your concerns. If they seem dismissive, move on. Some even offer one-onone instruction for new students—something that certainly would have been beneficial to me.
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