I didn’t discover Yoga or it’s benefits until midlife, but I soon became a convert to the practice. In the past, when I thought about yoga, I thought of incense burning, alternative lifestyles – a little left of centre.
I was also sceptical of the physical value of yoga from a legitimate workout point of view. Unless I am huffing and puffing I didn’t think it counted as a workout.
How wrong I was. Being a runner, I wish I had discovered the benefits of doing Yoga and how it can improve your running and should be included as part of your regular workout schedule.
Having a lower back problem for many years, regular stretching and yoga practice has reduced the pain to almost zero. I am feeling much more flexible, agile and stronger.
In Episode 9 of Conversations with Women Living Well After 50, I’m delighted today to introduce my next guest, Carol Wedenberg of Harmony and Healthy Yoga.
Carol and I discuss Yoga and the health benefits we gain from practicing yoga especially for women over 50.
Having experienced consecutive run of health crisis’s, Carol realised that it was time for change and transformation from her corporate sales media ex job. That change was the spiritual and ancient art of the health and wellness lifestyle of yoga.
Practicing and studying the traditional foundations of yoga in India and in Asia where she gained accreditation), she realised her ‘Dharma’ or purpose was to develop a pathway for others to feel better both physically, mentally and spiritually.
During our conversation Carol explained:
- Yoga is an Ancient Eastern health and wellness system with the connection of mind, body and spirit. Most people associate yoga with the posture practice but there is the connection of the physical body with your emotional, intellectual mind and having a joyful and happy life by connecting with your true authentic self. Physical elements, Emotional elements and the third phase is the Spiritual elements.
- The different practices of Yoga – Hatha, Iyenger, Vinyasa, Yin
- Virtual Yoga Retreats – What they are and the benefits of attending. Including Chakra Energy Channels
- The importance of the teacher/student connection for beginners starting Yoga
The Health benefits of practicing Yoga after 50
- Improved Balance is a key benefit
- Flexibility & Strength – Many feel that they aren’t flexible enough to do Yoga, but as Carol explains one of her clients is 90 and still practices yoga. Carol also explained that she receives life lessons from her.
- Joint management
- Moderation of chronic pain
- Improved memory through the focus on the cues and the mind/body connection
- Menopausal discomfort
- Self-love and self-care
- Calm state
You can catch the full conversation on the Podcast
or on Youtube by clicking on the image below
Meet Carol
Practicing and studying the traditional foundations of yoga in India and in Asia where she gained accreditation), Carol realised her ‘Dharma’ or purpose was to develop a pathway for others to feel better both physically, mentally and spiritually.
Her desire and passion is to entice everyone to understand the balance, harmony, order and rhythm that yoga can give. “I want everyone to live a life FREE of pain or suffering with a mantra of : “A Pathway to Better Living”
Connect with Carol
Website: Harmony and Healthy Yoga,
YouTube channel: Harmony and Healthy Yoga
Download her FREE ebook and video about Pranayama – The Spiritual Background, a introduction for breath work promoting relaxation and preparation for meditation available on her website.
5 Comments
I’ve dabbled in yoga for a couple of years now using a couple of videos. When social distancing lets up, I would like to try an in person class with an instructor. Watching my mother and now my mother-in-law age and lose their balance, strength, and flexibility, I am highly motivated right now to take care of my body and do everything I can to maintain my independence for as long as possible. As an added bonus, I do enjoy yoga, and I’m sure consistent practice would pay off in the short term as well. I’ll definitely listen to this episode on your podcast, but I appreciate the summary.
Hi Christie, I have found so many benefits not just physically since I started my regular yoga practice a few years ago. It does build strength, flexibility and balance in mind, body and spirit. I actually like Yoga with Adriene on YouTube if you are interested. 🙂
For good exercise, i’m clearing brush and burning it in the barrel. One benefit – besides a becoming-more-attractive yard – is, i don’t have to go out and buy (those abominable) yoga pants. Yard-work can be done in skirts – don’t have to wear britches to get stuff done…yay 😉
Hi, Sue and Carol – Thank you for this very informative session. For the first 4 years that I was retired, I practiced yoga regularly at a local studio. I fully agree with the benefits that you have stated here. Unfortunately, I have let my practice slip this past year. Thank you for the inspiration to pick it back up again.
Hi Donna, I remember you did practice yoga when I first met you. I’m sure it would help with your recovery from your hikes. xx