Lifelong Yoga: Maximizing Your Balance, Flexibility, and Core Strength in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond

Trainers Rountree and Desiato deliver a pragmatic, straightforward, and useful take on using yoga to alleviate the effects of aging. The well-organized book consists of five parts and begins with a brief overview of how yoga can help build balance and flexibility (both mental and physical). Part one also gives an overview of age-related ailments and ways yoga might help, different styles of classes, and methods of communicating effectively with instructors. In part two, the authors discuss balance poses and offer modifications geared to various fitness levels. Fundamentals such as balance, core strength, and hip flexibility are covered with multiple poses. Part three puts the poses all together into short sequences and describes ways to incorporate yoga into a daily routine. The sequences offered are surprisingly specific in their intended uses—some to precede a day of holiday cooking or a long drive, others to follow an intense workout or an emotional day. Part four touches on end-of-life issues, accepting “things as they are,” moving toward acceptance of death, and letting go of fear. This is a practical guide for people who want to begin a yoga practice outside the classroom or supplement one they’ve already begun. (July)