Yoga - How old is too old to take Yoga?

I hope your answer was that 'your never too old for yoga'.

When I started writing here at HUB Pages, I decided to only write on my own experiences. My decision was to take my triumphs and tragedies and turn them into short stories for all the CyberWorld to read.

This is another one of my life experiences that turned into a positive part of my daily living.

I had a serious back injury in 1991 and spent many years in a lot of pain. Then in 2004 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. You can read that story at Fibromyalgia a Blessing or a Curse.

Between my back pain, the Fibromyalgia, my 15 years of inactivity, and my AGE, I was seriously, both mentally and physically, out of shape!

I knew I needed to do something but what?

I was in serious pursuit of a remedy to help myself feel better. Moreover, I wanted to be able to participate in some sort of exercise program but I just didn't know where or what to do to achieve it.

Knowing that walking and light exercise would greatly help my conditions, I researched what I could and should do to feel better.

After asking around, and discussing the matter with my doctors, I found out that many insurance companies, including mine, offer a 'Silver Sneakers' program. 'Silver Sneakers' is an older adult and senior fitness program included in your insurance benefits package. There are many private gyms and YMCA's across the country that participate in the 'Silver Sneakers' program.

I contacted my insurance company and found the participating gyms in my area.

Each participating gym has modified exercise, yoga, water aerobics, etc., classes for older adults, seniors and some disabled people; like myself.

I chose a gym, made an appointment, and signed up (did I mention it was FREE), and received a list of all the classes that they offered. There was one particular class called 'CHAIR YOGA' for seniors.

I wasn't quite a 'senior' yet but with my medical problems, I needed to be careful and take on a slower approach to this exercise program so I started with 'Chair Yoga'.

It was GREAT! Although I felt strange at first, I quickly got right into it and looked forward to each and every class.

In the 'Chair Yoga' class, we sat safely in our chairs, moving our legs, arms, and heads, to the wonderful soothing voice of our Yoga instructor. Along with the calming and oh so peaceful music in the background, it was shear Heaven. 'Chair Yoga' helped me get my balance back, stretch out muscles that I forgot I had and taught me how to truly RELAX.

'Chair Yoga' was my stepping stone to bigger and better things to come.

So now I'm about 7 years into Yoga. I have graduated from 'Chair Yoga' and now attend regular Yoga classes offered at my gym.

There are plenty of poses that I can't do 100% perfect but no one cares. I listen to my body and if something starts to hurt or is too strenuous for me, I stop. That's the great thing about Yoga, it's all about HONORING YOURSELF in whatever you do.

Over the years, I have greatly improved my range of motion, my balance, my overall core strength and my peace of mind has never been better.

I highly recommend that everyone; the young, the old, and everyone in between, consider it, just give it a try!

My first suggestion is ... don't go hog wild on buying all the Yoga equipment or clothing until you find out if you like it first.

You don't really need anything for your first few classes because most gyms will supply you with a Yoga mat. Just wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes.

Do however, make sure that you have socks, preferably socks with the rubber dots on the bottom. While doing Yoga, your feet sometimes slide when you have on regular sweat socks. You can take off your socks which most people do, but my feet get cold so I wear Yoga socks.

I'm not sure how often those community mats are wiped down, so take a class or two, then if you want to stick with it, your first purchase might be a Yoga mat. A decent Yoga mat can be purchased for under $20.00. Then I would purchase a pair of inexpensive Yoga socks which can be purchased at a store like K-Mart for less than $10.00 or you can buy them online, but don't overpay!

As your enthusiasm for your Yoga class increases, so will your Yoga wardrobe!

Namaste