By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Ruth Elwood says she couldn’t have wished for a better instructor than Nancy Levenson: “I’ve never taken yoga before, but I could tell right away that she would be wonderful. She’s attentive to my limitations, and she’s good at giving one-on-one attention.”
Elwood hadn’t been able to get down on the floor to exercise since an injury 30 years ago. But that changed this past fall when she began taking a yoga class at Wind Crest. With help from Levenson, she’s strengthening her body and joints.
Levenson teaches Viniyoga. “This style brings out the best in each person by focusing on optimal health,” says Levenson, who spent her corporate career launching cable networks such as WISDOM Television (the mind, body, and spirit network). Today, she’s a certified yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. She carries an additional certification in restorative yoga and is the only certified Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga Teacher in Colorado.
Turning back the clock
Yoga is beneficial for people of any age, says Levenson—especially older Americans. “As we age, the human body has a tendency to become increasingly rigid and inflexible,” she says. “Yoga is preeminent in its ability to preserve and extend our youthful suppleness.”
According to a recent article on SeniorFitness.net, rigidity and weakness can be an unfortunate result of decreased activity. “Taking it easy as we age can lead to overall weakness,” the article reports. “Lack of movement and stretching leads to joint deterioration, loss of flexibility, and decreased balance.”
The most valuable yoga benefits for older Americans are proper breathing, increased strength, balance, and flexibility, says Levenson. “By supporting the body utilizing props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and even chairs, the body is alternately stimulated and relaxed to move into balance,” she says. Additionally, relaxing affirmations send students off with brighter outlooks.