It’s Never Too Old And Late

I had over the years probably because of too much of jarring whilst playing badminton, developed lower back problems and tried various forms of exercises with the objective of overcome this problem. At one stage I had to stop all physical activities and resort to swimming in the Club but because of lack of frequency of this activity and the distance from my house, back problem of mine still persisted.

I then decided to enrol as a beginner in the yoga class for 3 months in the beginning of 2008. The Club is fortunate that the instructors of yoga are from the Divine Life Society who has vast experiences in conducting proper lessons and imparting knowledge to the students.

The Chief Instructor was responsible for conducting the beginner class as it is crucial that the basics and fundamental of this yogic exercise be carried out properly by an experienced instructor.

To learn yoga one must proceed gradually and not to go to extremes. There should be no hastiness and one must be relaxed and be poised. As a beginner, one has to go through the basics and observed the instructions given. Initially, one will not be able to grasp all the postures or stretches (or what we called Asanas) but overtime this can be overcome. Initially, I found difficulties in managing the various forms of exercises even though I moved to the intermediate class after 3 months but what is interesting about yogic exercise is that eventually you will be able to achieve and get the postures correct. However, this can only be done if one is committed to this discipline and maintain sincere interest and steady enthusiasm. Attending the yoga class once a week at the Club will not take one far if one is to achieve maximum benefits from this science which is meant to help us to attain health, prevent ageing, encourages weight loss and even heal illness.

One should do daily if possible half an hour or one hour of a selected few posture exercises regularly if one is to derive the full benefits of the yoga Asanas quickly.

The Asanas initially focus on increasing and maintaining one’s flexibility of the spine, toning the rejuvenating the nervous system. I realised that the gentle stretching, twisting and bending moves brings flexibility to the other joints and muscles of the body and as well as massaging the glands and organs.

Hartha yoga (which is the type of yoga being conducted in the Club) also deals with yogic breathing exercise (pranayana) which incorporates the physical and mental benefits too. Physically, my observation is that proper breathing techniques promote sufficient oxygen for the correct efficient functioning of our body cell and also allows the body to rid the noxious gaseous especially carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, I would strongly urge members to enrol themselves in the yoga class as the benefits one will derive will be very far reaching and it is never too old or late to undertake this physical form of exercise. The benefits can be summarised as follows:

• Enhanced balance and stability.

• Improved posture and support around joint.

• Improved metabolism, body weight and energy.

• Greater enjoyment of everyday activities and sports.

• Reduced risk of injury.

I am able today to go back to badminton court since my experience of the lower back problem is resolved as a result of the strengthening of my lower back muscles. I am able to do lap swimming as the pranayana breathing techniques help me to hold my breath and hence distance swimming is enjoyable.