May of 1988 at the age of 36, I walked into Yoga Works in Santa Monica Ca. And said that I would like to learn yoga. It was recommended that I take a three day introductory coarse to learn the breathing techniques along with some basic poses. I signed up.
I could not touch my toes and my breathing was shallow and short (I had quit smoking two years prior, after 19 years.) I did recognize that my body had lost definition and that it moving in a southern direction. I made a commitment to myself to try this until I could at least touch my toes. I started taking one class a week. I was so sore and just when I was feeling better it was time for my next class, then I was sore again. It thought if I take a class every three days, I would be less sore. I am not sure where I came up with this but it worked, so I added more classes and before I knew it I was taking six classes a week
I could touch my toes, my breathing improved, my skin was glowing and my fellow classmates and teachers were amazed at how quickly my body was toning. I didn’t think it could get any better but then people kept commenting on how I seemed taller. How could I be taller?
I would reply with “I am taking yoga and I think my posture has just improved, I am standing up straighter now” Then I went to my annual doctor’s appointment (this was after 9 months of continual yoga practice).
I weighed my usual weight of 130lbs but then my height 5’7.25” What? Oh No! That must be wrong, let’s measure again. Yes, 5’7.25” I said that is impossible. Look at my chart. I have been 5’5.75” my entire adult life, how coan that be? YOGA! It is not that I was so hunched over, it was that my hips were forward, butt sticking out ad a little hunched over
So you see my yoga practiced had stretched me and strengthened me until I reached my true height. This was just the first of many benefits I have had the joy to experience through yoga. I did at one point get up to 5’7.5” but I have settled back down to 5’7.25” and that is still a wonderful place to be.
I wanted to share this because I believe it is never too late to start and you will be amazed at the benefits that you would have never expected. I am now 56 and 5’7.25” and still 130lbs and plan to stay that way the rest of my life.
K. Garrett.
If you have a testimonial about how Yoga has changed or enhanced your life and you are inspired to share your experience please email it to:
shelley@writeonyoga.com