Too old and stiff for yoga?

[srilankadreaming]

Hi, I’ve recently started a beginner yoga class and am in my early fifties. I did yoga in my twenties but after moving to another part of the country and having kids it just stopped. So nothing for 25 years! I have started again as am having lots of joint aches and pains - menopause related I think-I am not supple and it feels really hard. Can’t even sit cross legged or in Child’s pose comfortably. I know it will take time but terrified I’ve left it too late and will seize up completely! Any thoughts?

Keep at it, you will be a lot more flexible in just a matter of weeks.

How many classes do you go to a week? Could you practice at home? There are some fabulous YouTube videos for beginners.

Give yourself time, you’ll be amazed how much you can stretch out in practice. The more you do it the easier it will get, and it’ll be worth it I promise! Be kind to yourself.

You're never too old. I started when I was 19 and everyone else in the class was in their 70s I find it more comfortable to sit on the edge of a block. Does the teacher bring any? I bought mine from the Yogamatters website for about £4.99.

My first yoga teacher always said to leave the "should" and ego at the door and accept how you are at the very moment of practice, without being distracted by how you want to be or think you should be

Yoga will make you feel much younger and less stiff, that's the beauty of it : ) Don't push yourself too hard, just ease into it gently, and let the magic happen.

I feel like you too albeit I'm quite flexible in some limbs but not others due to gymnastics as a young adult but bow stiffening up - hoping you'll get lots of positives as I'm going to brace a yoga class I just need a shove!

Thanks for all the encouragement and advice and sorry this message seemed to post twice! It’s my first ever post though long time lurker. Having a few technical difficulties obviously 😂
Yes I do have yoga blocks and a belt which I’m using ( can’t manage without!)
I’m trying with this class but it doesn’t feel like a beginner class. It’s only an hour and it feels like a keep fit workout tbh. The lady running it is very nice but likes to challenge us - for example she did a 30 min flow with one pose following very quickly after another. I think I would choose another class ideally but have managed to drag along dd 15 who has done zero exercise for 3 years ( that’s a whole other thread) and she loves it so I have to keep going. Like many people have said, I just need to be patient I guess !

I think hormones do affect it. I find if my period is due, I really struggle to balance. I agree with all those saying keep at it - flexibility will increase. If there's anything you really struggle with, do adaptations. I find in my 40s that certain poses cause pain in my knee, so I need adaptations.

When I came back to yoga about 5 years ago, I really struggled with child's pose (partly the knee thing) - it's still not my favourite, but it's definitely a lot easier than it was.

Maybe try a different teacher? Classes can be very, very different according to the teacher. My DM is 85 & loves yoga but after moving house a few years ago she had to try a few different classes until she found a teacher she really got on with.

No such thing as too old and fit.

My mum was in a similar situation to you, early fifties, struggled to straighten her legs first thing in the morning, couldn't touch her toes etc. Very unfit and stiff (her words not mine). She also had back trouble from years of nursing.

Fast forward 9 years and she's a yoga teacher, fitter and more flexible than me (late 20s) and has loads more energy, lost a bit of weight, moves more easily and generally feels a million miles better.

You don't have to be good at something when you first start, just keep going and you'll be amazed at your progress

There's no such thing as too late! Yoga is fantastic for joints, as it strengthens and reinforces the muscles around them without damaging impact.

I went back to yoga in my 40s after a knee problem that left me unable to walk. In the beginning I couldn't do anything properly in yoga class. Slowly I got better and better, soon had no problem walking, AND my back straightened as a bonus

I agree, try a few other teachers and see if you can find one you like.

Never ever give up

That's made me cry. I want to be better too! I'm going to get back to trying yoga. I feel so bad when I have tried as I have no flexibility any more.

Ragwort - yes I’ll try another class but will still need to go to thus one as dd refuses to try another one.
Billywigsting - that’s fab about your mum, what an inspirational story !
And yo everyone else, thanks so much for your encouraging words. I will not give up and will try and find time to fit in practice!! 😊

lifebeginsnow yes really go for it, I’ve put this off for years and so wished I hadn’t. I am the ‘worst’ in the class - can’t sit cross legged, can’t do child’s pose, can’t touch toes etc But am not giving up - aiming to improve gradually and if I can you can too!!

I started a weekly beginner Pilates class 2 years ago and I'm still not able to do all the exercises. But I can do significantly more of the class now and as of next week I'm going to 2 classes a week. I'm in my early 60's and was concerned about the same things you've identified. I was also aware I was unsteady at times on my feet and had difficulty with stairs. Ironically I'm the youngest by 10 years in the class. The Pilates class fitted in with other things I do and the beginner yoga classes didn't. @BillyWigSting 's description of her mum's reasons is also part of my story. Persevere.

😲 wow I just watched that video- tears on my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing thus Cote D’Azur!

Good god, that video ! I’m literally crying - how inspirational!

That does sound a bit much for a beginner class @srilankadreaming Have you tried looking online at yogahub etc for other teachers? If you're in Merseyside or Lancashire I can give some recommendations

Great idea @curbside - the thing is I’m really busy with work usually (f/t teacher) and need to work most evenings so need something nearby. Think I will try and find another class nearby (I’m in Greater Manchester) perhaps with yogahub. I had never heard of this so thanks!

that doesn't sound remotely like a beginner's class

if you know what you are doing, could you find something online or get a DVD?

I'm in my 40s and find my yoga class quite difficult (and definitely feel it the next day) but I have improved a lot over time and now really notice how much more achy I feel when I miss a week. Most of the others in my class are actually in their 60s and 70s, and one man has had a stroke and is in rehabilitation. He is making great strides and slowly improving his balance and flexibility. Stick with it and you will become addicted!

As you experience more yoga, you’ll get better at judging class descriptions. Sounds like yours is quite ‘flow’, or ‘vinyasa flow’ based, which means it’ll be a bit quicker, with more constant movement & postures linked together. Perhaps also give a class described as ‘hatha’ a go - generally a bit slower.
Look at Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube.
And, try to even just do 5 minutes a day eg forward fold, downward dog, really simple things. Then if you watch tv, spend 5 minutes sitting on the floor cross-legged, use a few cushions to raise your hips.
It’ll get so much easier & you’ll be glad you stuck at it! x

Thank you AlwaysColdHands, some great advice here. X

Yes I found my current class on yogahub when I moved house
There's a nice yoga studio in Standish (Wigan). I actually prefer church hall classes that are cheaper and don't have any mirrors!

In child's pose have you tried resting your head on a block, so you're not stretching too far to the ground?

I sit on the sofa with my feet in "cobblers pose" to help stretch my hip flexers. My DP is used to it now