Senior yoga is gaining in popularity in western cultures due to how beneficial it is for mobility and balance - two of the main challenges we face as we get older. But yoga classes as they’ve been packaged in the west can also be really intimidating, especially for elder folks.

Older (or even middle aged) people seeking a relaxed yoga class in Fort Collins - one where it’s not assumed that you have good knees - look no further. All you need to be able to do in my classes is breathe!

A few words about yoga, and breathing

Breath control is called “pranayama” in ancient Sanskrit (fyi, it’s not the same as breathwork). Monitoring and regulating our breath while doing the yoga poses is what makes yoga different from calisthenics. This does not mean you have to control your breath while you’re also twisted up like a pretzel; there’s a lot more to yoga than doing difficult poses.

The word “yoga” simply means “union” – referring to the union of body mind and spirit as the goal of practicing yoga. Therefore the goal of doing yoga is certainly not achieving a certain standard of physical fitness, although that’s sometimes a pleasant side effect.

Accessible yoga for seniors in Colorado

My yoga and meditation classes can be done in a chair, wheelchair, or on the floor with any props necessary. Many of my senior students start class on the floor and end it sitting in a chair. You may feel different from one day to the next, or have different aches and pains. That’s totally normal, and my classes accommodate that reality.

I offer modifications for a diverse range of ability and mobility. My goal is to create a safe space where you are encouraged to honor and accept your body as it is, in the present moment.

I also teach private yoga lessons with a focus on pranayama and meditation for those who are bed-bound. As well, I stream classes live on Zoom for those who are house-bound.

Some of my group classes are donation-based including my summer Park Yoga series - see my Instagram for more information on where I’ll be teaching those classes around Northern Colorado and the Denver area.

The power of the mind

My yoga classes include meditations where I teach mantra chanting to help with age-related issues such as cognitive decline, anxiety/depression, blood pressure, etc. Mantra is simply the act of repeating simple phrases over and over, which creates an inner stillness that functions like a mental boost - which is of particular value to seniors. Mantra chanting also stimulates the vagus nerve which regulates the nervous system, and chanting helps to anchor and focus the mind.

I take a non-denominational approach to yoga that also values and honors its historical roots. So, we may be doing chants in ancient languages like Sanskrit or Gurmuki, but I always explain the meanings and purpose of each chant.

The best thing about mantra and meditation is that anyone can do it, regardless of age or ability!

Spirituality and yoga

A more spiritually focused yoga practice helps to calm the spirit and prepare us for our next journeys of the soul. Yoga and meditation practices that are gentle and accessible to seniors and elders can be pivotal in helping them navigate their golden years with optimal health and inner peace.