Over 80 yoga teacher says "Forget age"

Thursday, 30 April 2009 04:42

Bette Calman is a yoga instructor living and working in Australia. The difference is that despite her 83 years the glamorous lady continues to practise the lotus position as well as the Headstand, the Bridge and the challenging Peacock asana according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The combination of this wonderful and enjoyable discipline with a strong, dedicated and determined lady is a powerful one. Mrs Calman said: "I'm proof that if you keep at it, you'll get there. I could do more now than I could 50 years ago."

Asked when she intends to give it up Bette said: "You're never too old. The body is a remarkable instrument. It can stretch and stretch, and get better all the time. Forget age... Even a basic posture, or just going to a window and breathing deeply, can have big benefits."

Maybe yoga's anti-ageing qualities are due to the amazing well-being conferred on all aspects of a person, on mind, body and spirit, improving flexibility, strengthening and relaxing joints and boosting circulation. As time goes on, scientists are discovering how the practice of yoga can be invaluable for preventing and fighting the potentially life-threatening diseases of western society including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, obesity and arteriosclerosis. There are many different types of yoga, the most strenuous being Astanga which is said to be very challenging. But the most gentle type is Hatha yoga.

Mrs Calman is one of those people who have a long nurtured passion for what they do and rarely retire. She pioneered the yoga movement in Australia back in the 1950s and is the author of three books about yoga, one of which is called Yoga for Arthritis, has for 33 years run yoga centres and appeared on TV regularly in the 70s.

At one point Mrs Calman decided to retire in Melbourne and just take it easy but it was not to be! With interest in yoga increasing among the population, her daughter Susie who teaches yoga too persuaded her to come back to work - at her health centre where they were short of teachers.

Now Mrs Calman takes up to 11 classes a week. She says that attending a yoga class has always made her feel "on top of the world".

She sums it all up by saying: "Yoga keeps you young." What an inspiration this lady is, reminding us that we are all as young as we feel whatever our age.

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