Can Anybody Do Yoga?
I have been asked many times by different types of people if they can do yoga. Whether you are young or old, weak or strong, flexible or inflexible, there is a place for you in yoga.
People who have never tried yoga before often have the view that it is really difficult and involves all sorts of strange and hard-to-do body positions. This is simply not true. Yes, yoga CAN involve those types of poses where you feel like your whole torso might unravel. However, there are many different ways to do yoga. For those who are beginners, you can start with very simple poses that are basically really good stretches helping you to gain flexibility. After you have completed some beginner classes you can move to more challenging ones if you choose to. Most seniors or people with mobility issues will stay at the beginner level. Even if you do stay with beginners classes you will see your flexibility increase as well as an increase in your stability and mobility.
You can even start yoga with small children. Children have much different needs than adults so you should stick with simple movements that are fun and easy for them to do. There are many DVDs that you can get that you can do with your kids. You may even find excellent classes in your community where groups of children can explore their bodies together.
Of course, if you have more severe mobility or chronic pain issues, you should consult your physician before starting any yoga class. The last thing you want to do is take on more than your body can handle and jeopardize your health. Having said that though, there are very few people that will not benefit from yoga. Make sure you know your limitations and start with easy classes and work your way up. You will find that as you get stronger and more flexible that the beginner classes won't be challenging enough for you any longer and you will be anxious to move up to a more intermediate level.
Yoga has greatly improved my well-being and am so glad that I started it when I did. Because of yoga, I have experienced far less injuries and lead a healthier and more active lifestyle than I did even 10 years ago.
People who have never tried yoga before often have the view that it is really difficult and involves all sorts of strange and hard-to-do body positions. This is simply not true. Yes, yoga CAN involve those types of poses where you feel like your whole torso might unravel. However, there are many different ways to do yoga. For those who are beginners, you can start with very simple poses that are basically really good stretches helping you to gain flexibility. After you have completed some beginner classes you can move to more challenging ones if you choose to. Most seniors or people with mobility issues will stay at the beginner level. Even if you do stay with beginners classes you will see your flexibility increase as well as an increase in your stability and mobility.
You can even start yoga with small children. Children have much different needs than adults so you should stick with simple movements that are fun and easy for them to do. There are many DVDs that you can get that you can do with your kids. You may even find excellent classes in your community where groups of children can explore their bodies together.
Of course, if you have more severe mobility or chronic pain issues, you should consult your physician before starting any yoga class. The last thing you want to do is take on more than your body can handle and jeopardize your health. Having said that though, there are very few people that will not benefit from yoga. Make sure you know your limitations and start with easy classes and work your way up. You will find that as you get stronger and more flexible that the beginner classes won't be challenging enough for you any longer and you will be anxious to move up to a more intermediate level.
Yoga has greatly improved my well-being and am so glad that I started it when I did. Because of yoga, I have experienced far less injuries and lead a healthier and more active lifestyle than I did even 10 years ago.
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