By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When Ruth Elwood showed up for the first yoga class at Wind Crest in November 2007, restorative yoga teacher Nancy Levenson told her and the rest of the class they wouldn’t recognize themselves in six months. That turned out to be an understatement.

"It’s been a year now, and I’m doing things today that I was afraid to do back then—like balance on one foot, reach up high for something, or bend over to pick up an object that has fallen out of reach," Elwood says. "I’m stronger and more limber than I’ve been in a long time, and I have more confidence too."

Yoga is beneficial for people of any age, says Levenson, but it’s especially helpful for older Americans. "As we age, the human body has a tendency to become increasingly rigid and inflexible," she says. "Yoga helps preserve and extend our youthful suppleness."

Teacher is key
Dean Hinderliter attributes improvements in his tennis and golf games to Levenson’s class.

"I’m playing with some younger people these days, and I’m keeping up with them quite well," he says.

Levenson goes far beyond teaching poses, adds Hinderliter: "For her, it’s more about helping each individual do the best they can."

Other class members agree. "She takes time out of her schedule to visit with us one on one, have lunch with us, or spend time getting to know us in other ways," says Elwood.

Emotional stretching
Class participants say that Levenson comes to every class prepared with a variety of exercises to increase flexibility, build strength, and even enhance breathing.

Thanks to Levenson’s guidance, Robert Millett says he’s definitely more flexible today—not just physically, but emotionally.

"I decided to try this class to help cope with high levels of anxiety and tension," he says. After a year, Millett reports being much more relaxed and finding life more enjoyable.