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through practice.”
While yoga is a relatively safe
form of exercise, it’s important
to proceed with caution to
prevent injuries caused by
coming out of poses too quickly
or overextending during a
stretch. “Keeping students safe is
the first priority,” said Trapaga.
During the lessons, Larsen
gets individualized attention
and socialization accompanied
by a gentle hand and steady
encouragement. Her daughter says
she visibly glows after the sessions.
“It’s so inspiring to see older
people discover things they never
knew they could do,” Trapaga said.
Turning to Larsen, Trapaga teased
her gently, “Like you; you’re full of
surprises!” Larsen chuckled and
patted her hand.
People who feel a bit more
adventurous might consider hot
yoga. This style incorporates
elevated heat and is thought to
increase flexibility and aid in
flushing toxins. Temperatures
can reach 104 degrees F, so it’s not
for everyone. For some
seniors, however, it’s the
perfect improvement to
traditional yoga.
Hot Yoga of Johns
Creek offers Bikram
hot yoga classes. Phil
and Carol Houston of
Alpharetta have been
loyal participants
since their first hot
yoga class there 10
years ago.
“We can enjoy it together,” Phil
said. “It’s a fun physical activity,
and we have a yoga family now.”
Phil, who recently turned 70,
had been quite active previously,
engaging in jogging and sports
such as tennis. After several knee
operations, those activities weren’t
an option any longer.
Phil liked his first class so much
that he told his wife,
Carol, 67, that she had to
experience it for herself.
“I was diagnosed
with macular
degeneration in one
of my eyes, so I’ve lost
some vision and depth
perception,” Carol said.
“I don’t want to have
to worry about falling,
and the class has
helped my balance. Now if I trip, I
can recover because I know where
my center of balance is.”
Hot Yoga studio owner Jenny
Matusevich leads students through
the 90-minute classes, working on
alignment, building core muscles
and breathing. Each individual
proceeds at their own pace.
“It’s the way people feel
afterwards that convinces them to
keep at it,” Matusevich said. “They
stand taller, feel better and have
a better day. The more good days
you have, the better life you have.”
Do you want to improve
your balance, gain flexibility
and retain your mobility?
Consider taking up yoga. For
info on Hot Yoga of Johns
Creek, visit hotyogajc.com or
call 678-834-9844. For more
information about yoga lessons
with Erin Trapaga, go to
erintrapaga.com or email Erin
at erintrapagayoga(a)gmail.com.
COURTESY OF CAROL AND PHIL
HOUSTON
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