This birthday marks one half century on earth and while I’ve been blessed with good health, there are times that my body lets me know that my parts don’t work as well as they once did. I’ve always been active, but it was time to get serious about staying healthy and mobile. So I joined a gym and regularly attend Yoga and Pilates classes. The first weeks were a real eye-opener. While I was proud to be more flexible then many of my classmates, I really was shocked about how much flexibility I had lost.

During my five months in the Yoga and Pilates class I’ve seen with my flexibility improve as well as some other pleasant developments. I’m standing straighter. I think that the stretching and the core strength exercises have been helpful in correcting my poor posture. I’m much more conscious about sitting up straight throughout the day.

My

back pain has been reduced significantly. The Yoga stretch called the Downward Dog has become part of my routine. I perform this stretch several times during the day and most times I feel my back release. It just seems to line everything up and makes me feel better. The breathing exercises also have an added benefit of stress reduction. I’ve progressed to the point where I can relax and almost meditate while performing the exercises. I really don’t think about other things. I’m just in the moment - working out.

After my aerobic or weight bearing workouts, I always try to perform some of the Yoga and Pilates stretches. It helps keep my muscles long and lean. Yoga and Pilates classes have shown me how to change exercises or stretches to keep me challenged. Overall I highly recommend Yoga and Pilates classes for anyone looking to improve their flexibility and to help relieve pain.