Yoga may seem like a real stretch, but it could be the best stretch you will ever make.

Yoga offers real dividends in balance, muscle strength and relaxation for all ages.

You will learn to meditate and breathe deeply letting oxygen flow through your body. You will experience a gentle stretching of the body that brings fluidness and ease of movement. Your muscles will grow stronger with weight-supporting poses. If you have always wanted to try Yoga, now really is the time. Yoga is open to all ages. There are many versions to sample and you will find a comfort zone within them.

Health, personal satisfaction and peace of mind come with that new Yoga mat.

How many times have you spotted Yoga classes in community centres? Or you may have peeked in on a class at the gym. You may have seen Yoga classes on TV featuring delighted Third Agers executing Yoga poses with the help of chairs. The participants have a common bond. They are quite involved, and quite pleased.

Students of all ages, at all levels will tell you, “Yoga puts me back in touch with my body. The minute I settle on that Yoga mat I am at peace with the world. For an hour all of the outside crazy stress makers just drop away.”        

Some students will tell you how they started with a few classes, moved to yoga every day, and now teach it.

One word of caution. If you have health issues, check with your doctor first, just as you should for any new exercise routine. And of course, begin slowly!

Starting can be intimidating, but once you find your spot on your mat you may be hooked. When you sign up at the gym, a private studio or community class, you will want to buy a Yoga mat, available at sports centres and discount stores. Wear loose fitting, lightweight gym pants or shorts and tops. Bring socks for the class and a jacket for the meditation at the end as you cool down.

You may feel real trepidation as you venture in, clutching your mat, carefully placing it in the back of the room. As you look around you will see beautifully sculpted young men and women, somewhat thicker middle-agers and seniors of all sizes.

As the music starts and lights are lowered your teacher may ask that each student make this a personal class, doing only what feels comfortable. You may cast an envious glance at your neighbour as she executes a pose, but never strain to do a pose. This is not about competition. There is a spirit of acceptance. Whoever you are, whatever your level, the class is your time to breathe, to move, to meditate. This is something that you do for you.

Stretch a little. Yoga is waiting!

Sandy Schroeder for Third Age.