You're never too old for Yoga

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It helps the mind to relax and the body to become more flexible, recharging both and helping one to feel fitter and more energetic while gaining peace of mind. This is why yoga has millions of adherents worldwide today.

Today, many former skeptics, this writer included, have experienced the healing and restorative powers of yoga and are now true believers.


This belief will only come after you have practiced yoga for some time and have experienced the benefits firsthand. It is never too late to start practicing yoga and enjoying its benefits. There are three aspects to yoga, the postures (asanas), yoga breathing (pranayama) and meditation. To derive the maximum benefit from yoga, one has to practice all these three aspects.

Regular practice of the asanas, pranayama and meditation can help with many different conditions including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, varicose veins, arthritis and heart disease. A yoga practitioner (or yogi) can achieve increased control over his or her autonomic and involuntary functions such as heartbeat, temperature and blood pressure. Studies show that yoga can be as effective as or even better than exercise in improving physical and emotional health.

Other areas where yoga can benefit you include:

• Asthma and other respiratory disorders – Studies have shown that the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks can be lessened or prevented altogether with the help of yoga. Yoga breathing exercises can also help overcome other respiratory problems like congestion and shortness of breath.
• Hypertension – Yoga can help in the treatment of hypertension by lowering blood pressure levels. Stress levels can also be reduced.
• Pain management – Yoga can help to reduce pain levels by direct action on the spinal column and the secretion of the body’s own natural painkillers. Pranayama can also help to lessen pain by relaxing the body’s muscles.
• Back pain – Yoga Asanas can cure as well as prevent back pain by helping to stretch the spine and muscles, making them stronger and more flexible. This makes it a boon to pregnant women who frequently experience lower back pain during their pregnancy.
• Arthritis – Yoga provides relief to people suffering from arthritis. The different poses act on the affected joints and muscles, freeing them and lowering pain levels.
• Weight management – Yoga can help you shed those pounds by regulating hormonal secretions from glands such as the thyroid gland. This helps to increase the metabolism of fat, burning off calories while simultaneously improving muscle tone. A great way to decrease your body mass index!
• Psychological – Regular practice helps increase mental clarity and concentration. Pranayama and meditation help to decrease stress levels and induce a feeling of calmness.

While you are never too old to start practicing yoga, the earlier you start, the more you will gain. Your yoga instructor will help design a special routine for you that will take into account any physical problems or ailments that you suffer from. Start now and soon, you too will be a believer.