Yoga

Forget the backbends and headstands. That's really not what yoga is all about. It's about aligning the mind, body and spirit. It may not even be that for you. When I began practicing yoga, it was about relieving some of the discomfort behind my knee after a total knee replacement. I quickly learned it helped the aches and pains of arthritis. Then I found it reduced tension from a stressful job. Now, I appreciate how yoga has guided me toward more mindful thinking in all parts of my life. On the pragmatic side, it has has helped me to grow more flexible (so I can reach things up high or down low), given me the ability to pick my arse up off the ground if I fall, and improved my balance so I don't end up on the ground so often!

One of the big turnoffs for me early on was asking mostly younger yoga instructors what challenges I might face, you know, being in my sixties with replacement parts and more to come, and the answers were similar, "Everyone has challenges. Age doesn't matter." Okay, that's just BS. You know, and I know, that exercise as one gets older is a completely different experience than when we're in our twenties, thirties, and forties. Yes, almost anyone can practice yoga, but as we age we may need to modify asanas and add props because of our body's limitations. This doesn't decrease the practice's benefits, at all.

Mats, blocks, straps, and chairs are often used props for yoga practice.

There are many items you have at home you can use until you decide to invest in yoga props. Quilts, blankets, canned food, scarves and belts, to name a few.