Nine Great Reasons to Try Yoga

When I hit my 40s, I began to understand why my parents didn’t want to get down on the floor with me when I was a kid. Although I exercised regularly, my lower back ached. My shoulders and neck were so stiff that it hurt when I’d turn to look out the rear window of my car. Around that time I happened to pick up a book showing people who were older than me — 20, 30, even 40 years older — who were far more flexible! Their secret? Yoga. I had to try it.

Here are the benefits I found:

 1. Increased flexibility
 2. Eased back, joint and muscle pain
 3. Reduced stiffness
 4. Improved strength
 5. Less stress
 6. Unleashed energy
 7. Relaxed mind
 8. Sharpened focus
 9. Heightened body awareness

My first move: I signed up for a women-only class through a local gym. There were about six of us, ranging in age from 25 to 50. We started with simple, gentle poses. Following the instructor’s lead, I exhaled as I bent forward. It was okay if I couldn’t touch my toes. I went only as far as was comfortable for me.

How it felt: As I practiced in class and at home, I felt tremendous physical pleasure. Lunging with my arms outstretched, my legs felt strong. Energy shot from my shoulders out through my fingertips. Areas in my body that were tight became relaxed, and those that were weak became strong.

What I learned: My greatest breakthrough was learning to concentrate. When I took the time to slow down and immerse myself in what I was doing, I felt my muscles and ligaments stretching, little by little. As I bent, breathing deeply, my arms folded around my head, I felt the muscles in the back of my thighs release as I slowly dropped closer to the floor.

What it’s done for me: Today, at age 46, I consider yoga a necessity. When I get out of bed, I do some stretches. This eliminates back discomfort or pain. When I’m working in the kitchen, I’ll use the countertop to stretch my whole body from my fingers to my toes. At work, I do gentle neck stretches to relieve the stiffness and pain that develop from working at a computer all day. I hope someday to get myself as flexible as the 70-year-olds I’ve seen who lie on the floor and bring their toes to their nose!

Taking the First Stretch

Contact local colleges, hospitals, Ys, health clubs, and yoga studios. There are many different types of classes. Some concentrate more on stress reduction, others on building power and strength or maintaining flexibility, so observe classes before you sign up.

Working with an experienced teacher is the best way to avoid injury and maximize yoga’s benefits. There are many ways to move your body that may look right to an amateur. A teacher can gently correct your positions, so you can feel “from inside” what it’s like to get it right.