yoga for life....golden yogis

Namaste

so my previous blog was all about the celebrated yoga teacher #Tao Porchon-Lynch 98 years old          

( Named “Oldest Yoga Teacher” by Guinness World Records in 2012)

yes an amazing lady to say the least...

and yes, surprisingly, there are a lot of amazing older people out there who devote their lives to being healthy and fit and include yoga in their recipe for a long and healthy life. 

And funnily enough lycra leggings are NOT essential😉

The recent UCLA research took brain scans and memory tests, comparing the effects of 12 weeks of memory exercises with a course of yoga and meditation on 25 adults over 55. The latter not only had better improvements in their spatial and visual memories, but also more reduced depression and anxiety and increased resilience to stress. “Although this study is small, it suggests that we should be doing more research into the benefits of yoga and meditation as additional ways to keep our hearts and brains in good health as we age,” says Dr Clare Walton of the #Alzheimer’s Society.

There’s no need for hours and hours of headstands to benefit. In this study, volunteers did just one hour of #Kundalini yoga a week. This is a gentle form of yoga that incorporates breathing techniques, meditation and some chanting of mantras. The latter may feel silly at first but can be easier than other forms of meditation. The study participants also did 20 minutes daily of #Kirtan Kriya, a type of meditation involving chanting, hand movements and visualization of light.

there are many benefits that yoga can give to every one... but especially beneficial as we get older:

Increased flexibility

Strengthens muscles ( including ones that we may have forgotten about ! )

Creates mindfulness ( giving a feeling of empowerment, improving sleep, improving the way we breathe )

Improves Balance ( especially important as we get older )

Gives confidence ( an opportunity to join classes and regain a social life and companionship )

So be the best version of YOU at any age...its never too late to start Yoga

All good things come to those who are patient

My cousin and I have now been at our new gym for about 6 weeks.
And we are really impressed....all be it there has been a few mishaps
( but that is with injuries ..not the establishment )
I think its fair to say that as 2 older ladies ( one in her 50's and one in her 60's... and I'm not prepared to spill the beans about who fits into which Category!!!   because she'll kill me !!! 🙊 )
we are in quite a hurry to crack on and try all the different classes and be the best we can....
and we are both probably being a little ambitious...and we want results yesterday..
and to rush anything is probably not good but..to rush to be fit is going to have problems!!
specifically INJURIES!!
thankfully the injuries sustained by us are pretty minor..and more inconvenient than anything else...
(I hurt my back...which I can not say for certain was during my classes, then i hurt my shoulder, which I admit was being too ambitious in the classes...It happened whilst trying to do 'Wild thing')
(my cousin ..who will admit, although very fit/active, is not a regular at the gym until now...also injured her shouder whilst...would you believe doing 'wild thing'......)
It is ..i think an advanced move...combining twist and balance and strength....and like all asana's should be worked to ones own limits..and of course there are variations for beginners.... (definitely a note to us I think !!)
For me ..it just meant that I had to take things easy..and yes I still went to the gym..yes silly I know 
But for my cousin it has meant she has had to have a fortnight off too date...this has led to her being very frustrated and feels that all her hard work in the early days has been wasted.
But its not the end of the world and hopefully once she has rested it fully she can come back and do some more gentle poses....
still managing to work our arm ( to lift our coffee cups....ok ok and our wine glasses 😉 ) and our facial muscles ( smiles/laughs and chats😉) so not all bad news
Moral too this story...
All good things come to those who wait....And who do things gradually 😉       Namaste

Make it one of your one aday

It makes sense...

go on....make Yoga one of your one a day...😃

even if you just manage to find 10 minutes a day

thats 50 minutes a week
( thats with weekends off 😉 )

200 minutes a month...
wow ...

and all it starts with is 10 minutes a day...
it will be as familiar as brushing you teeth or 
doing your hair...

Benefits enjoyed include....

increased flexibility
increased strength
increased core strength
increased balance ( surprisingly )
increased calm..ummmm
increased control
and so much more

surprise yourself...start a little journal....a daily diary....and just be wowwed with your journey
but always remember...its your journey...not a competition with any one else....
listen to your body...be kind to yourself...be gentle on yourself....and just go to your gentle maximum
and each day is a new day....
just because today didnt feel improved....tomorrow may do....

Let yourself be amazed.....

Namaste

body balance.....stretchy stuff

Body balance challenge ......

Yep I know what the picture sais...  ' leaves you feeling calm and centered '  




I have been doing body balance for about 12 months....twice a week....I wish I was doing it more !!!

I absolutley love it.... but it is so so tough!!!

when I say to people that i do a body balance class... the reply can often be

'oh that stretchy class?'

well yes, it is a stretchy class, but also so much more
to be honest, when I first decided to have a go I did think it was probably going to be one of the easier
well you know what they say about assumption !!!!
Oh my.... 
of course it can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be..... you work to where you feel comfortable
but that was never going to be my goal .....everything in life is a challenge for me, including this!!!
I push myself to the limit and I love it..I come out of the class feeling like I not only have really challenged myself but also feeling accomplished..that I did my best.. better than when I went in, and lets face it we cant ask for much more
result being, I feel stronger, fitter, more flexible, improved balance, and yes calmer and less stressed (especially when I do a class when I am under a lot of stress...without a doubt )
I am currently following
did i mention that we have two fantastic motivating, passionate teachers...  thank you x
I will update this blog and let you know how it goes..... wish me luck   

cream crackert

Exhausted.....

Mental exhaustion is so much more debilitating than the physical sort !!!!

How can the very people that u call close n family n frends......leave u feeling so drained n empty n angry n confused?????

God bless me with restraint!!!!!


Thank the Blessed Lord tomorrow is another day.......God give me strength......