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Original poster

Starting yoga at 50 when podgy and bendy as a gatepost

16 replies

Meretricious · 21/02/2019 07:04

Am I mad.?

I’m three stone overweight. So a size 14/16. I do Pilates a couple of times a week, to the best of my abilities.

I’m in a desk job, my back is giving me gyp, I can’t get anywhere near my toes.

I went to a yin yoga class for six weeks and I wasn’t getting anywhere near the stretches. Do I persevere or give up?

OP posts:
Spam88 · 21/02/2019 07:11

If you're enjoying it, persevere :) six weeks isn't very long to see noticeable improvements in your flexibility. Also I strongly believe that some of us just weren't designed to be able to touch our toes 😂

eurochick · 21/02/2019 07:14

Give it another go. I'm terrible with balance and flexibility, so I find yoga challenging. I recently took it up again at the age of 43. I did Adriene's 30 day dedicate programme on YouTube through January (as did many other M Ners - there are two long threads on here about it) which was a good reintroduction. It's fairly gentle but does test you in places!

LoubyLou1234 · 21/02/2019 07:15

Just keep going you will get more flexible. The stretching will all help your back too. It's done wonders for my lower back. I do shorter bursts at home (you tube) rather than a long class but this means more often, around 3/4 times a week.

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imanoldbattleaxe · 21/02/2019 07:19

I've started vinyasa flow yoga at 50, four stone overweight and I love it.

stilllearnin · 21/02/2019 07:24

I’m overweight and a yoga teacher! I know!! Although obviously I am very bendy.

I would suggest you try a variety of classes and teachers. They’re all very different. I’m so grateful I have yoga for my physical health. Particularly as we get older.

stilllearnin · 21/02/2019 07:26

@spam88 you’re right! We’re all different and yoga doesn’t care if you can touch your toes anyway Grin

Meandyouandyouandme · 21/02/2019 07:28

I do Hatha yoga once a week, am now 48 and been going about 4 years. Definitely carry on, I feel more flexible and stronger though it takes time. I’m still not very bendy but I accept that’s the way I’m built. I used my yoga breathing plus relaxation exercises last week, when I was in hospital for horrendous stomach pains and then had emergency surgery!

Magicstar1 · 21/02/2019 07:31

Would you do yoga at home? I’m doing DDPYoga...it absolutely amazing and has different levels to start at ... even ones you can do in bed. You get an app or dvds with the workouts. Check it out on YouTube- it’s awesome!

yogima · 21/02/2019 07:37

Podgy 48 year old yoga teacher here. Wink Gateposts of all ages and sizes welcome at my classes.
Try different classes and teachers til you find one that you like.
Meet yourself where you are and just enjoy exploring what the body and mind can do.
If you are enjoying it then keep going. Let go of what you think you should look like in a posture.

Slapdasherie · 21/02/2019 07:38

Definitely keep going.

You don’t have to be doing the stretches to the nth degree to be getting a benefit from them. And little by little your flexibility will increase.

Yoga is always beneficial.

Stuffofawesome · 21/02/2019 07:38

Yoga with Adriene on YouTube there is something for everyone on there all free

FusionChefGeoff · 21/02/2019 07:40

I've been doing yoga for 3 years, I run 1/2 marathons and I still can't touch my toes!!!

Yoga is a lifestyle - if you enjoy it, keep going and slowly the improvements will show. The benefits are too endless to list.

I do lots of everyday things and think 'ooo it's a good job I do yoga'! My core strength, balance and upper body strength are much better than most women of my age.

Helped my FIL carry a washing machine in yesterday - the look on his face was priceless!

AlwaysColdHands · 21/02/2019 07:52

Keep going! Echo advice of yogima, try different classes (perhaps start with those called gentle/beginners/hatha). Yin isn’t perhaps the best introduction to Yoga as it’s quite specific. Also look at Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube, her beginners videos.

Doesn’t matter whether you EVER get to touch your toes or not, the benefits to your all round physical & mental health are more important.

Now you’ve found it, don’t let it go! & well done for being courageous to get yourself to a class in the first place 👍🏻

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 21/02/2019 08:35

I’m much older than all of you and I do a variety of classes, including yoga flow. I can just about touch my toes when I’m warmed up, but am bendier sideways than forwards. I have tight hamstrings too. I don’t care if I can’t do all the poses and flow. It’s not about being good at it, it’s about enjoying it and improving overtime.

DrPimplePopper · 21/02/2019 08:44

I'm a yoga teacher, fat and not very bendy at all! There are things I can do and things I just can't. It's not about touching your toes etc, my own yoga teacher knows my limits and we work between a balance of challenge and enjoyment. It's more about your enjoyment of the class, and also any knock on benefits for your mental health. She always says 'yoga finds you when you're ready.' If it's not enjoyable you may want to try a different teacher, each one is so different

Original poster
Meretricious · 21/02/2019 12:15

I like it and find it hugely beneficial. I've done yoga before when thinner and younger but still not v bendy. It's just a bit embarrassing only being able to bend forward a few inches while sitting when everyone else is nose to knees!

I m encouraged by the comments and will persevere.

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