Oldest Yoga Teacher

BERNICE Bates is 91 years old, and she’s more flexible than people a third of her age.

Guinness World Records recently awarded her the title of Oldest Yoga Teacher.

While there might be other, older yogis, Ms Bates completed the lengthy documentation process required by Guinness. Her daughter nominated her earlier this year.

Ms Bates first began practising yoga 50 years ago, after she saw it on a television program. These days, the great-grandmother teaches once a week at the community centre of her Florida retirement village.

Her students are usually a decade or two younger than she is.

Ms Bates believes in gentle yoga: no sweaty, strenuous or competitive stretching in her classes.

“You may not do it perfect, but there’s no perfect person,” she said.

Source: HERALD SUN-12/27/11 Melbourne, AUS from correspondents in Pinellas Park-By TAMARA LUSH, Associated Press,  December 23, 2011 7:01AM.

Oldest Yoga Teacher

Props

To prop or not to prop, that is the question! As a yoga instructor who has taught yoga since the year 2000, I have had many opportunities to explore the use of props personally and with my students. This article will explore various yoga props, how they can support you in your yoga practice and some household items that may be used as substitutes.
Yoga Mat- There are a variety of yoga mats available to use for your yoga practice. Mats are made from plant based, rubber and recycled materials to name a few. Mats are typically used to keep students from slipping while practicing postures in which balance or stability is needed.
Examples of use- Although mats are typically used for their “stickyness” they can also be used to add cushion for most poses standing,balancing, seated or supine.
Household substitutes-None known, I highly suggest investing in your own Yoga Mat.
Yoga Blocks- Most yoga blocks are made from foam, cork, bamboo or wood. Yoga blocks can be used for supporting body weight, stabilization, modification and creating more comfort in certain yoga postures.
Examples of use- When students are unable to touch the floor while practicing a standing forward fold, yoga blocks can be placed on the floor directly under each shoulder for added stability and support.  When practicing  bound angle pose, blocks can be placed on the outer upper thighs to keep the inner thighs from over stretching therefore  making the pose less challenging and more comfortable.

Strap- Most yoga straps are made of cotton and have a plastic or metal buckle at one end making this prop very versatile.  Straps are available in different lengths, the most common being 8-10 feet long.

Examples of use- Straps can be used to reach your feet in a seated forward fold or to bind your legs and hips in Bound Angle pose. I have used a rolled strap on occasion to place under my unhappy ankle in Reclined Hero pose.
Household  substitutes- Karate belts or neck ties work well
Bolster –A yoga bolster is typically made of tightly pressed firm cotton batting which is wrapped around a foam core.  The bolsters can be used for support and added comfort in certain postures.
Examples of use- A bolster can be placed under the knees while laying on your back during final relaxation encouraging the low back to rest comfortably on the floor.  Often a bolster is used to creat a heart opening posture by laying the torso over the bolster with arms stretched out at shoulder level. Using a bolster in Reclined Hero pose decreases the intensity of the stretch experienced and actually makes the pose more accessible to those who struggle with tight hips.

As you probably already guessed, I am all for yoga props. Some students when using props have  been encouraged to stick with their practice because using yoga props allowed them to see their bodies potential for opening and releasing. The possibilities presented with the use of props encourages students to continue practicing and provides them with a sense of accomplishment.

Props

Living With MS

There is a very informative post by Lisa Emich at Health Central on www.healthcentral.com concerning “GENTLE YOGA” and the author’s experiences as a person living with MS. Please click on the link provided to read the article. Thanks, Faith

http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/19065/144221/gentle/

Living With MS

Hi—

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Thanks, Faith

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