Seniors Feeling The Benefits Of Yoga Workouts

By Garret Reich

It is a stereotypical idea that growing older entails pain, immobility and declines in health and life capacities. However, this stereotype is being turned on its head by the students at the Bloom Senior Center, here in Glenwood.

Since May of 2016, teacher and personal trainer Anita Reich has taught yoga classes for seniors. It started at classes just once a week. Now, the students get together twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays to practice.
Students have seen drastic changes in their lives as a whole.

“I can move much better. It made my driving much easier, made my up and down easier,” said Fran Sinner.  

The majority of the class is done from a chair, as a way to provide support. However, as the students have gained their confidence and their strength, they have gained the balance to do more poses standing up. At the beginning of the series, Reich had the class separate the feet and stand with one foot in front of the other. She prompted them to take their hands off the chairs, but they were only able to stay balanced for a few seconds. Now, Reich says, that they can extend their hands forward and maintain their balance.

“One thing she has taught me is posture. I had terrible posture,” said another student. Joyce Draper said the practices have made her more aware of her breathing.

But not only do the ladies enjoy the class for the physical benefits, but they also have fun with the social aspects. “It gets us out,” said Irene Schoening.

For many of the women, the toughest part is getting started. “First when we did this, I thought ‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this or not, but as you do it more and more, you don’t even realize how much you’re changing,” said Sinner.  
Several students agreed that they recommend the class to everyone they see. They suggest that people not “be afraid of [their] age - just try it.

Don’t even think about how old you are.”

When asked how she feels teaching the senior class, Reich replied that “It is an absolute joy to get to bring the yoga practice to these women each week. “

She also added that “There is absolutely no experience necessary and all of the exercises can be done from a chair.”