Pommama provides private one-on-one pregnancy
yoga classes in your own home or workplace
at a time convenient to you. We are the only
at-home pregnancy yoga service connecting you
with top private teachers. All our teachers follow
the same bespoke programme. The programme
comprises three separate sequence tailored
to different stages of pregnancyWhat considerations are there for a more mature group? “Age
matters not so much in the physical practice of yoga. It’s the
condition of the spine that matters the most. However, when there
has been a great loss of movement, encouraging acceptance is very
important followed by everyone just doing their best.”
Giving it a go
Mostly it’s about giving it a go. It almost doesn’t matter how well
you do, a big part of the achievement is in doing it at all. Over time,
as you get more used to some of the poses, there are some great
positives to be had. As Lee tells me: “Most of the changes to our
physical ability are not caused by ageing. It is disuse that is to blame.
Use it or lose it. Practice, practice and practice again to regain it.”
Balance is something that can diminish with age. We’ve all
heard stories of people falling over in more advanced years
and complications arising from it. But even in less dramatic
circumstances, it can come down to the simple act of being able to
get out and about without discomfort. As Lee explains: “The most
precious physical qualities gained with basic training are balance
and strength. This maintains independence, reduces the risk of falls
and most importantly helps people to enjoy life longer.” Great poses
for helping with balance include Tree and Triangle.
One of the myths about yoga is that it is just for the flexible, but in
our group’s experience it actually creates flexibility, which can help
with all manner of issues. And as certain parts of us wear out this
reaps benefits. Dodgy right knee? Never mind, your far more flexible
hips and strong core will help, as will your improved sense of balance
and awareness. Aches and pains are to be expected but if you are
more flexible, generally, you can minimise some of the damage,
which could make all the difference.
Breathing. Ahh my favourite bit and arguably the easiest. But so
often we aren’t doing it sufficiently at any age. Deep yogic breathing
can help with lowering blood pressure and the associated slowing
down helps us to become more aware of our bodies. Breathing
through a pose can also help to move it on a little bit and it’s a
wonderful skill to have in life’s back pocket because things won’t
always go to plan, so taking time to breathe well can help with
worries and bring energy to our cells. And Corpse Pose is great for
taking a moment to listen to the breath.
Feel the joy
There is always something rather wonderful about a group Sun
Salutation, all of us moving through the sequence as best we can.
And it helps to build strength, which can be especially important
for women who can lose bone density as they mature. It also
helps with strengthening our core and a stronger back is one of
the great bonuses for an older body. Cobra Pose is another great
strengthening and stretching move.
For me though, most importantly, it’s good for the mind. I find
after a class I smile more easily, I often have a little chuckle during
the class and I’m absolutely more aware. For a mature group (or
those of us home alone), sometimes loneliness and isolation can be
an issue and Lee recommends the meditative side of the practice
is explored. To sum up my experience with my exceptional group, I
am inspired and reassured each time we meet and if practicing yoga
helps me to age well like my fellow classmates then I’m in it for the
long haul. Quite simply it ups the joy and that has to be a good thing
at any age. Long may we all continue.
Cherry Williams is a freelance writer and editor of lifestyle blog,
Gumption (gumptionmag.co.uk)