Physical activity is good for people of all ages. Yoga is a low-impact option that offers numerous benefits and can be practiced by everyone no matter their fitness level.

 

Yoga can help with stress, high blood pressure, flexibility and weight loss, as well as help strengthen bones, build strength and balance, and reduce anxiety.

 

Beginning yoga can be intimidating if a person is new to the practice. That’s where a class that meets weekly at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater can help.

 

“Everyone can benefit from yoga,” says instructor Shalynn Reid. “It helps physically, emotionally and mentally.”

 

It is an ancient practice that goes back over 5,000 years, there are numerous types of yoga practiced today. Reid teaches breath-centered yoga for any level, which emphasizes simple, traditional poses where breath is the practitioner’s guide. 

 

“The class is more senior centered but is for younger people also,” said Reid. “Nothing too demanding, however there are ways to modify the poses to make them more challenging so they work with every age and level.”

 

“The most important thing is just taking the time to stop and focus on your breath. Getting more familiar with the way your body moves and how it’s feeling is very powerful.”

 

People find they get different benefits out of yoga.

 

“It helps you release stress, and you can slow down and relax,” said class member Bonnie Barkosky. “It offers you something so unique.”

 

“It’s a calming effect in our busy life, just to be calm and stretch and feel better,” said Carol Mason.

 

“As we age we lose so much of our physical abilities,” added Maria Lanners. “It’s keeping what we’ve got, and learning to breathe and use your muscles at the same time.”

 

A year ago, Reid, who is also the manager of Clearwater Snap Fitness, was asked by the Young at Heart group if she would be interested in offering a class that would get members moving, and the yoga class was begun.

 

Reid has been practicing yoga for close to 10 years, and recently became a registered yoga teacher.

 

“Trying it out can be a discovery in yourself,” said Reid. “Whatever you might be yearning for you may find in yoga. Our lives are so fast paced we don’t stop and look at the big picture. Yoga helps you be less reactive to your environment and become more aware, just quieting your mind.”

 

The yoga class meets every Thursday from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at Rejoice Church. Cost is $8 per class for people 55 and older, and $10 per class for people under 55. Everyone is welcome.