Why Yoga?

While in Port St. Lucie, Fl, I came across an article that I will reprint here in full. I do practice Yoga (I am very much an amateur) and have found it to be quite beneficial. For those who have not considered it or feel as though they might be “too old”, this article is for you.

“Yoga: good for the mind and body”

Last December, my friend Melissa asked me if I wanted to take yoga with her. The classes, beginning in January, would be held in our community room and cost $3 a session. I thought about it. The classes were within walking distance, reasonably priced and I had a buddy to go with. I couldn’t think of any good reason to say no, and I’m so glad I didn’t.

Yoga is one of those things that has a scary connotation for a lot of people. They think it will be much too hard, which it can be, or too mystical, which it can be. Fortunately, as taught by Sherry Killila, it is challenging and relaxing, taking me out of my comfort zone a bit and putting me back into it.

Ms. Killila, an incredibly youthful 60, moved to the Treasure Coast in 2003. A yoga practitioner, or yogini, for 15 years, she decided to become an instructor. Since 2005, she has been accredited by the National Endurance Sports Trainers Association. She has given classes in communities in the area. Her yoga classes are primarily meant for mature audiences, meaning those of us over 50. She offers classes in chairs for those who can’t go down to the floor and regular classes as well.

Melissa and I loved the floor class so much that we decided to try the chair class, too. We hoped it wouldn’t be too wimpy. It wasn’t.

Sherry says that her classes emphasize several areas important to health and wellness. “Balance is one of the big things I emphasize,” she said. “Flexibility is also so important as you get older. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Strength is important for holding up your body and breathing helps remind you to use your lungs to its vital capacity. Finally, relaxation focuses your mind. It is guided relaxation, but eventually, you can do it on your own.”

Sherry is quick to emphasize that yoga is about you. “I try to encourage everyone,” she said. “Yoga is not a competitive sport. It’s not about stress. You go at your own pace, within your own limits and capabilities.”

There is another aspect to yoga. It’s a social activity. I have found that we all laugh as we struggle with some of the poses and smile as we see ourselves doing things with our bodies we never thought possible. I’ve spoken to people in the community I’d never met before, and at a time when loneliness is such a part of my life, I really look forward to the two classes each week.

Many of the people (and yes, we have a few men participating) are in their 70’s and above.

Sherry pointed out that people should consult their doctors before beginning any new exercise program to make sure there is not medical reason why they should not take part.

I asked my rheumatologist if my lupus would prevent me from doing yoga and he was enthusiastic about how it would keep me limber. At the end of her class, for 5 minutes or so, we do guided relaxation. We focus on removing stress so that we can continue our day. At the end, everyone looks as if they’ve taken a quick nap, relaxed and rested.

I took a chance with yoga. I didn’t think that I could do it. It has helped me build self-confidence, strengthen my body, relieve stress and most importantly have fun.

Yoga Classes in Clemmons, NC