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| From Yoga for Healthy Aging |
Just this past Sunday, I learned to do this supported shoulderstand. When I was in the process of looking for an appropriate class for someone who is no longer young, I heard about a Gentle yoga class at this studio. Immediately I signed up for the upcoming semester and was hooked. There are actually two levels of Gentle yoga (see the class descriptions here), and I started taking two classes a week and found that the Gentle II classes were more to my liking. So in the second semester I left behind the easiest class and took two classes of Gentle II. Then in the third semester, I signed up for another Gentle II and (gasp!) a Level I class.
In Level I, my instructor has been teaching us, a little at a time, how to get into a shoulderstand. Frankly, I thought that the days when I could do that pose were far in the past, but no, Iyengar Yoga helps you to use props such as blocks, chairs, and belts to help you get into the pose.
In trying to find a picture of this pose on the internet, I ran into this wonderful website, Yoga for Healthy Aging, and found not only the picture, but a step-by-step guide as to how to get into it. I remember that in class it was a little scary to try to get there, but once there, it was delightful! If I saw this on somebody's blog (such as I'm doing right now), I don't think I would have attempted it. But as of now, I've done it twice at home, each time a little bit less afraid.
For the next week I won't have any yoga classes at the studio, because they are having a five-day intensive and classes are canceled until next Monday. Can you guess what I'll be doing here at home? Yep, my very own yoga class. And I must remember that without someone to correct my technique, I need to go slow. I will, really!
:-)
Good for you!! That's awesome. I need to step out of my comfort zone. In 2017. ;)
ReplyDeleteHooray for your determination, drive and stamina.
ReplyDeleteAnd you have reminded me of a cosy detective series where the main protagonist is an elderly woman who took up yoga to delay the negatives in the path of time (The Miss Seeton series).
so happy for you that you're loving it. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a worthwhile class, anything we can do to help with aging, and pain relief is OK in my book !
ReplyDelete~Jo
Love the picture and description. I've been thinking about yoga for a long time, but have never taken a class. My flexibility and balance is fairly good, but I know that I could certainly use some improvement. This is one of those things where I know I should try it, but just haven't done so yet.
ReplyDeleteI get so much enjoyment out of my other classes (strength, zumba, tabata). I think most of that pleasure comes from the good feeling in my brain when I am very active.
You truly are an inspiration for all of us, with your dedication to staying fit and active :-)
I also got into yoga recently. When traveling I find yoga workouts online - there are a lot of free ones. It is fun trying different workouts with a variety of instructors.
ReplyDeleteYou sound very enthusiastic about yoga and it gives you more confidence. I'm not sure I'd want to do the shoulder stand.
ReplyDeleteI've been attending a yoga class every Saturday and I must say it helps with my other activities. And my achy hip always feels better. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, I am glad you are enjoying your class! I was never the gymnast sort...I used to be able to stand on my head by a wall...that was a long time ago:)
ReplyDeleteCool!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope SmartGuy is at home when you are doing this, just in case. I was never agile when I was young and relatively agile--LOL! Good for you! :) But glad you are taking it slow and being careful.
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm in evident and your developing skill is impressive. Take it easy this week!
ReplyDeleteYou always impress me with your fearless nature and that you will try most anything and succeed. I sure wish Yoga was available here. I really need work on balance and flexibility. Like Rita, I hope you use SG as a spotter when at home.
ReplyDeleteWow, if you can do that in the picture, more power to you.
ReplyDeleteYou are always discovering new healthy activities. I'm not surprised you are succeeding at yoga. And as always, thanks for your visits to my creative writing blog. Yes, I dreamed that crazy dream. Yikes. My mind is terrifying.
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