A Little Prop Work

Although my yoga classes are geared specifically for the senior set, there's no reason why they can't be fun, too! Today I brought an assortment of ties with me to help with our warm-ups and stretches. We used the ties to begin the warming of our arms and shoulders. Once they were well stretched, we did the cow-face pose. Of course, the image of the cow-face brought lots of laughter into the class.

Using the ties for props enabled the class to go just a little bit further in the poses but I could tell that, for some, this was a bit of a challenge. So, once we put the ties away, I suggested "partner" massage. The timing seemed to be just right and it was obvious from the murmured sounds of oohs and aahs, that this was indeed welcome. Loved the feedback!!!!

An Oldie but a Goodie

A friend had recommended The American Yoga Association's books to me and I purchased Easy Does It Yoga and the Beginner's Manual by Alice Christensen. Although the books were originally published over 30 years ago, there is some valuable information for the practicing yogi and/or teacher.

The author provides a step-by-step yoga "warm-up" sequence that I have found particular helpful with my "seniors" class. For example, in the section on neck stretches, she gives 3 bullets describing the benefits (limbers neck and improves circulation throughout neck region; reduces tension in neck muscles; and limbers cervical spine). She then lists several options for arm positions while doing the exercise. She shows 7 pictures of each neck position and offers several variations of the pose. She completes the instruction with suggested reminders: breathe normally; do not lift your shoulders; move slowly, etc.

The attention to details and the emphasis on being safe and careful make this book a great addition to my yoga library.

Ask and you shall receive...

Since completing my yoga training with Peggy Cappy, I have been volunteering my yoga practice at a local senior center. I've been fortunate to have found a really nice location with wonderful students who come to class on a regular basis. The only problem for me is that it is quite a distance from home. And, this year with skyrocketing gas prices, I considered dropping this class and looking for something a little closer. But, then I thought I would approach the council on aging about being reimbursed for my gas costs. I just asked. And, lo and behold, they have a "friends" group who graciously offered to reimburse me.

The universe provides. I have heard this before...but now was witness to it first-hand.