Have you
ever wished you could turn back time ten years? You might say something
like, “If only I’d started playing golf (or tennis or running
or skiing or biking) ten years ago” or “I wish my body felt
as good as it did ten years ago”. Many of us wish for a new lease
on youth, but we know it’s impossible. Is it?
I’ve
been doing yoga regularly for about seven years. I’m 43 years
old. Today, my body feels stronger and more supple than when I was 33!!
Am I physically capable of all the things a 33 year old is? Absolutely!
What an unbelievably exciting concept! I have the wisdom and experience
that comes with living 43 years in a 33 year old package!
You may
be wondering how yoga really can do all that. Let me explain. All day
long, there is a gravitational pull on your body. It is subtle, but
you can imagine its effect after years and years. Just drop your cup
of coffee in the morning for a reminder of how powerful gravity is!
The subtle pull of gravity affects your posture. It affects the collagen
in the skin giving us a sagging effect. It also makes our heart work
harder.
Yoga helps
reduce the effects of aging like no other fitness activity. Weight lifting
and cardio routines may make you stronger and keep you from getting
winded as easily. Yoga does all that too without wearing out your body!
Plus, yoga employs powerful twisting poses that strengthens your core
muscles and cleanses your internal organs. Certain yoga poses create
blood flow to the heart and brain which helps you think better.
Yoga also
gives you the benefits of inversions. Let’s talk about why we
do them. First, don’t be alarmed. I’m not going to recommend
you stand on your head for 30 minutes! There are some very gentle inversions
that are easy enough for anyone, even seniors. You see, you are doing
an inversion any time your head drops below your heart. Simple!
Turning
our bodies upside down gives us a vacation from the unfortunate effects
of gravity.
So, instead
of reaching for that cup of coffee (that you might drop anyway!), do
an inversion instead and see if it gives you the same lift!
Feel free
to contact me by email (drew@rcyoga.com) if you have questions about
yoga. My yoga studio is in south Lakewood. Our website is rcyoga.com.
Roxborough
Yoga Class Schedule:
Tuesday
mornings, level 2, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Fire station community room,
drop-ins welcome for $15
Tuesday
mornings, level 1 beginner, 10:45 to noon, private homes, call first
Drew Overholser
303-987-1004
drew@rcyoga.com
