For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed two things: 1) age is just a number and 2) what really counts is how you feel inside and outside.
If you have ever said, or heard someone say, “I’m too old (to start yoga, exercise, fill in the blank here)?” I share the three real life examples below with the intention of inspiring you to think otherwise.
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This fall I taught a Thursday night yoga class at a local adult education program. One of the students was an 84-year old male. One night after class we walked out together and I asked him about his yoga experience – he didn’t have any, this class was his first time. I asked him what got him interested and he said, “You know I’m 84 years old and I heard a segment on NPR that talked about how great yoga is for the body. I thought, ‘huh, that sounds interesting, I think I’ll try it.’”
Sure he moved a little slower and modified poses appropriately with my help, but he attended faithfully, 8 weeks running. This serves not just as a lesson in age, but also a lesson in – stop thinking and start doing!
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I spoke to my father over the weekend. At 66 years old (sorry dad!) he just became a certified aerobics instructor! He’s been taking a class in his local area, geared towards seniors (he’s the young one in the group with all the energy!) and now he’s certified to teach. Brilliant! He’ll be teaching a few classes beginning the first of the new year.
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Yesterday I was turned on to an article about an 83 year old woman, Bette Calman, in Australia who still teaches 11 yoga classes per week. This woman can twist and turn her body into poses most of us only dream about. According to Calman, “Yoga keeps you young.” I 100% agree. You can the full article from April (and see the amazing photos) about Bette here.
(I do believe yoga is an incredible anti-aging tool due to its integrated mind/body/spirit approach. As far as I could find, no real data exists to back that up. I still believe it.).
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Before you start any program, no matter your age, always check in with your doctor first to ensure you are cleared for exercise or aware of any limitations and modifications you’ll need to make along the way. Once you get that clearance, go for it, slowly, within reason and build from there. You’re only too old if you believe you’re too old. And really, are you ever too old to feel good?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve always wanted to get more into yoga and this post has been inspiring. Thank you!!
The only Yoga experience I have is with my sister’s Wii Fit. It is pretty cool – they have a good variety of positions and its neat how they measure your stability and balance with the Wii pad. One day I will take a real class, haha.
Hi Stacey,
I’m still not a yoga convert, though I hope one day to like it. This article gets me excited. I love it that it is something we can do as we age, and that it makes living and aging a more graceful process!
Hello Stacey,
I love what you say about age in this article. I do not have these words in my vocabulary “I am too old” ! Even if there are times it may have a grain of truth to it, I just refuse to entertain that thought for a second! This article makes me feel even stronger about that!
I want to be that 66 year old (YAY! To your Father!) teaching an exercise class!
Hi Positively Present – It is inspiring, age doesn’t have to be a roadblock!
Hi Steven – You never know, you might become a convert! We all start somewhere and I say thank goodness for Wii Fit!
Hi Jodi – I know, yoga comes in all forms – from powerful to gentle – making it a perfect activity for any age and ability. It took me a long time to really “find my yoga”….I wasn’t converted easily. Thanks for stopping by!
Keith – Isn’t it cool? “feeling old” isn’t in my vocabulary either…just taking each day, at any age – I feel better as I get older anyway!
Hey Stacey,
“Too old” is just an excuse…
And what great examples you have of exactly that (the pictures of Bette are amazing)! And your father (way co0l!!)!
The number, our biological age, may go up. That doesn’t mean we have to let our “playful” age, or our “fun” age, or our “physical” age go up the same way. Here’s to living “young at heart”!!!
And…you may not believe this Stacey…I tried a form of yoga last night…and it was fun!
Stacey,
It must be so fulfilling to teach yoga and be part of the change. You are changing lives with every class. These stories make me smile as I creep closer to age 56.
Hey Stacey
Lance said it well, “too old is indeed an excuse”. Those were amazing stories you shared. I remember when I was in University, there was a lady who I think she was in her 70’s or 80’s wanted to get a degree – nothing to do with exercise, but still how cool is that?!?! It was definitely an inspiration for me to know that we really can do anything, anytime we want. We just can’t block ourselves in with excuses or limitations.
Now speaking of Yoga, I have been doing it very irregularly and informally at home for about a year. And I finally decided to start some formal classes as I really love it and want to get into it properly. There is a studio of the line Moksha yoga close to us which me and my husband will be attending. I am excited cause they do that hot yoga a lot, and I am really looking forward too to a good release of all toxins that we trap inside so much, aside from the awesome stretches!
I will let you know how it goes
Hi Stacey,
I’ve been practicing yoga since October 2002. I became a certified teacher in March 2009 and dived right into my 500 hour level certification (I’m half way there!) The practice of asana is just scratching the surface of what yoga really is – the cessation of the mind stuff. But I love my asana practice. I love the way my mind, body and soul synch up after 60 minutes of time on the mat. I teach every Wednesday night in my basement. I have two newbies who tell me they’ve never felt better. Class with me is something they look forward to every week.
On Saturday night, I witnessed one of my martial arts role models achieve her black belt in Thai Kickboxing. She holds a 2nd or 3rd degree black belt in Karate. She’s 63 years young. At 46, I just became a black belt recommended in Thai Kickboxing. This time next year, I’ll be testing for my first degree black belt. I’ll be 47.
Yoga and Thai Kickboxing…my cure for whatever ails me
You know, I took private yoga classes from a man who shocked me when he said he was in his 50’s. I thought, “There’s just no way…” He looked to be more in his 30’s, with the body of a 20-year old.
I believe everything you said in this post: we’re never too old to start/try anything, and yoga has amazing regenerative powers (enough to make people look younger than they are!).
Never too cool, old, young, or tired to start Yoga. I need to practice Yoga every day for at least ten minutes to feel good. There is something about being in the moment just breathing and stretching that makes me feel closer to God. It’s a spiritual as well as a health boost for me.
Love the story of that 84 yr old. Awesome how he wasn’t afraid to try something new and stuck with it.
Lance – you tried yoga!! tell me more…
Tess – teaching yoga is fulfilling…thanks!
Evita – I think if there is something you want to do age shouldn’t stop you! Let me know how you do in your classes, definitely.
Peggy – I’ve been thinking about a 500 hour program, but this is not the right time for me. I’d want to spend a month at Kripalu in their program! As a teacher, the best part (for me) is when students tell you how great they feel. Yoga works!!
Megan – It is amazing! I’m 36 and people often mistake me for 27/28…I’ll take it! Though the grey hair is giving my age away I think…
Karl – when I’m tired, I practice yin yoga…a very restorative, slow practice that offers a very deep stretch into connective tissue. Amazing!
Blake – I know. When he told me I was in awe and so inspired! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Stacey — thanks for these inspiring stories — and now, a vulnerable share: I sometimes watch scenes from Rocky Balboa where Stallone is in incredible shape at age 60 to remind myself that working out is a lifelong practice.
Stacey,
What inspirations–thank you for sharing!
When we were on one of the “surfer beaches” a while back, this lady plopped close to us with all of her stuff. She was in a full wet suit because the water is cold, carried her body board to the water and whooped and hollered and smiled. She was slower than the “boys” but her grin was just as big and when she came to shore after about an hour of being out there we saw she was definitely at least in her 70’s. She packed up her stuff and left, just like that. My children and I were in awe. They asked if I was going to be like that–ha, well I sure hope so, her spirit and gumption are amazing!
And yoga has changed my life, so I’m glad when anyone begins the practice; regardless of age, it is so beneficial to all who participate.
Chris – Thanks for sharing your vulnerable confession – I love it!
Joy – Isn’t it amazing! It’s not about speed, height or anything – it’s about getting out there and doing it. Because that’s what feels good! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Hi Stacey
Quick update I wanted to share with you, so I went to the hot yoga class on Sunday. It was an hour long and wow I didn’t think I was going to make it in the first minute as the room is so hot, it literally took my breath away. But I made myself adjust and then actually made it through the hour. I have never sweated like this in my life!!!! (Sorry for the too much info, but it was amazing.) Every rib muscle, and muscles I never knew I had still hurt to today.
Well all I can say is I cannot wait till next Sunday!!!! I LOVED IT!