Shape up for yoga (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Shape up for yoga

7:40am Tuesday 16th September 2008 in Bridgwater Area News By David Hemming

THE first thing that springs to many people's mind when someone mentions yoga is a group of lycra-clad 'hippies' sitting cross-legged on the floor humming and chanting.

Everyone has heard of yoga and millions of people across the world practice it, but what you don't expect to see is a handful of grannies in a community hall in Sydenham bending and flexing.

That's exactly what Mercury reporter David Hemming discovered when he visited the Ageing Well yoga sessions held every week in Bridgwater.

FLEXIBILITY is not one of my stronger qualities - in fact I barely manage to lift my foot further than 30cm in the air - so when I heard about a yoga class being held in Bridgwater my first reaction was of panic.

The sessions are held every Wednesday morning, currently at the Sydenham Community Centre in Parkway, and are organised by Ageing Well co-ordinator Diane Kidner and run by veteran yoga teacher Ivy Thorne.

Between ten and 15 ladies, aged 50 plus, attend these classes every week to help relax, combat aches and pains, and more importantly to them, socialise.

Yoga is a system of philosophy that originated in India around 5,000 years ago, and it is open to anyone whatever their age, sex, ability, or in my case, agility

Yoga is a system of philosophy that originated in India around 5,000 years ago, and it is open to anyone whatever their age, sex, ability, or in my case, agility.

It combines breathing, relaxation and physical exercises to balance the mind. It also helps improve flexibility and can aid posture by teaching relaxation of the neck, shoulders and back.

Bridgwater instructor Ivy Thorne is in great shape for her 76 years.

She has been teaching for more than 20 years and wants to encourage elderly people to come along and try yoga for themselves.

She said: “I adapt the postures for either the floor or chair to suit individual needs and abilities. You don't need any previous experience as the stretches are gentle and involve posture and breathing.”

Co-ordinator Diane Kidner said: “We would invite ordinary people who are just wanting to feel better about themselves and more confident to give the yoga sessions a try.

“We organise various social events - things like line dances, tea and coffee mornings - there is plenty for everyone to get involved with.”

63-year-old Marjorie Trigger and Sue Williams, 65, are yoga veterans having been regular visitors for ten and 32 years respectively.

Marjorie said: “I used to see the classes as a way of getting some peace and quiet away from the daily stress of work, but now I just look forward to seeing my friends each week.”

Sue added: “We all have a wide range of problems like arthritis and asthma, and the stretching and breathing exercises are a great way to combat them.”

Having begun the session as something of a sceptic, my hour with these ladies has definitely changed my opinion on yoga for good.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Diane on 01278-785702. Classes run for ten-week sessions on Wednesdays between 10.30am and 12noon at Sydenham Community Centre.

New members are asked to bring a mat and blanket, and classes cost £3 per session.