Cherry Williams, a mere youngster in her 30s, enjoys regular yoga classes
with a group in a retirement village where the majority of students are in
their 60s or 70s. Here, she explores how yoga benefits us all
A
ll too often we see images of impossibly beautiful
bodies wrapped up in skin tight Lycra busting out
a Downward Dog with ease. And we’ve all seen
the pictures of young firm thighed yoga gods and
goddesses on a beach somewhere without an inch of
fat between them – in swimwear for goodness sake! Fabulous as that
undoubtly is, it can seem a little out of our mere mortal reach and be,
dare I say it, a little too much of a challenge and a little intimidating
for those of us that are less able or are advancing in years.
But at the heart of yoga is an inclusivity and an inherent kindness- qualities we can all appreciate whatever our ability or age. In fact,
in my experience, these wonderful virtues can actually get better
as we mature and it’s never too late to take up yoga to reap the
benefits that aren’t age exclusive.
As a writer, I’m in the enviable position of being able to try my best
at yoga once or twice a week in the daytime, and with that comes
certain conditions. No longer do I go to the jam-packed yoga class
in a rush after work with other frazzled worker bees desperate for a
bit of Om. I was used to a young crowd with a definite competitive
edge as to who could turn the best tricks, or so it seemed at times.
Now I’m still a (relative) youngster but with a dodgy leg full of metal
bits I knew I had to refine my practice.
Retirement village
And that’s where the Audley Binswood Club stepped in. Luckily
for me, this wonderful old building had been lovingly restored to
somewhere a little bit special. The yoga room has ornate cornices,stained glass windows and even chandeliers. I decided it would
soothe my often ‘on deadline’ mind or if I was finding it difficult to
focus I could at least pick up some interior design hints.
The club is part of a retirement village so it was obviously going to
be a more mature class and I was a little nervous at first if this would
work for me. Would it be too basic and would I be accepted as part
of the group?
Trust me, it has been enlightening. My new-found knowledge
that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to exercise is something I’ll
carry with me and is heart-warming. Of course there are still moves
that I have to adapt, but so do others and rather than feeling
that I’m coming up short, there is a warmth to this group and a
thoughtfulness which makes for a very honest practice. It’s also one
of the most encouraging classes I’ve had the pleasure of attending.
It’s so much more than just doing the moves: there is a sense of
community, which in itself is good for the soul.
It helps of course that we have an understanding teacher (in the
able form of Lee) who manages to work with our varying ability with
consummate ease. We are encouraged and not put off which makes
the world of difference. I know now that we can start yoga at any
point in our lives and it’s pleasing to know that there are always
advantages to be had. “There are often concerns about not being
super bendy, strong enough or having a medical condition”, explains
Lee. “There are many modifications, adaptions and variations to all
of the yoga postures enabling awareness of the body and breath to
be practiced. Once control has been gained, there are often lots of
benefits to be enjoyed. Students often wish they had begun earlier.”NEVER TOO LD
NEVER TOO LD SPECIAL