Larry Payne - Yoga After 50 For Dummies

Yoga After 50 For Dummies

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com

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Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2020904269

ISBN 978-1-119-63151-4 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-63152-1 (ePDF); ISBN 978-1-119-63153-8 (epub)

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 8
8. Chapter 9
9. Chapter 10
10. Chapter 11
11. Chapter 12
12. Chapter 13
13. Chapter 15
14. Chapter 16
15. Chapter 17
16. Chapter 18

There is an old adage that says, When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. For almost four decades, Ive dedicated my life to being such a teacher to anyone eager to learn more about Yoga. I know firsthand that the right teacher, at the right time, can make all the difference. And I also know that Yoga can profoundly reshape your life, if you want it to.

When it comes to practicing Yoga, the key is to discover a personal approach that addresses your specific needs. Whether you use this book in addition to Yoga at your neighborhood studio, with online sessions, or on your own, I wrote Yoga After 50 for Dummies specifically to address your needs if you happen to be over 50.

Yoga is about so much more than postures or movements. In fact, the idea of focusing on poses is a relatively modern approach. Yoga, in fact, offers a philosophy for living and attaining joy a philosophy for living that guides almost all aspects of our life.

Of course, postures and movements, combined with proper breathing, can have a significant impact on your health. In no way do I want to diminish both the physical and mental boost that a regular Yoga practice has to offer. Certainly, the concept of Yoga therapy is based on just that. What I am suggesting, however, is that Yoga offers a lot more than exercise.

In this book, I address the physical aspects of Yoga and beyond:

• Physical Yoga practice: I spend a good portion of this book talking to you about the physical and mental benefits of Yoga, including instructions for postures, movements, and breath work. But, more precisely, I talk to you about practicing Yoga when youre over 50. I think its critical to adjust your routines to fit your body. And its equally important to know that such adjustments in no way diminish the fundamental concepts of Yoga practice or philosophy.
• Yoga beyond the poses: How you live your life, the choices you make, can all be guided by Yoga principles. I share those ideas with you and suggest they just may be good for you, too!

As a matter of fact, Yoga in general should feel good to you and be good for you. If it doesnt, and if it leads to some kind of discomfort, you may not be recognizing what your body is telling you.

Before you listen to me or any other Yoga teacher, talk to your doctor about beginning or continuing a Yoga practice (this is especially important for all of us). And, most importantly, pay attention to how you are feeling. Nobody truly knows except you.

Although anyone new to Yoga or anyone who wants to practice Yoga in a more user-friendly way can benefit from this book, Im definitely focusing my attention on a segment of the population that doesnt get enough attention in the Yoga community: people 50 and up.

As a Yoga therapist whos been working with clients for decades, I know firsthand that people benefit from simple movement and easy breathing. You dont have to do the hardest poses or the most rigorous routines to receive the health benefits from Yoga. I want you to start with what feels good for your body and your mind, and you should make that your ongoing goal as your Yoga practice evolves.

While writing this book, I assumed that you fall into one of the following categories: