My aunt (a flourishing over-50 yoga devotee) recently sent me (a very stiff 33-year old beginner) a copy of Suza Francina's marvelous book, The New Yoga for People Over 50. I previously acquired Mira Mehta's authoritative How to Use Yoga, which I find quite instructive and aspire to begin using (yoga isn't as easy as it looks, folks!). However, I don't believe anything could inspire me as much as seeing and reading the testimonials of so many over-50 yoga practitioners in Francina's book; their execution of some of the more challenging postures is absolutely mind-altering! Francina's book and her work in general are truly a blessing. Bolstered by the knowledge The New Yoga for People Over 50 has given me I have begun "converting" my mother, who frequents the weight machines at the gym. She is a fit and vibrant 54-year old, but her hectic lifestyle, which includes a six-day work week (she owns a business) needs the addition of yoga to ensure her health and longevity.
This book is a wonderful, invaluable tool for everyone, regardless of age. I hope to catch up with Francina's octogenarian students within a few years! With Francina and her students as examples, I expect I will do just that and anyone who reads this book will be motivated to set a similar goal: feel better and live longer with yoga!
I first read this book (and subsequently reviewed it) in 1999. My enthusiasm has not waned. This, to me, was and is the most common sense yoga book I have ever read.
Its purpose is to inform the reader about various issues affecting those over 50 and the ways yoga can help. It is a serious and helpful resource for older students and teachers who instruct seniors. The "success stories" (term used by reviewer) are meant to inspire and encourage and do not include any specifically by the author (to glorify herself as suggested by the reviewer).
Yoga classes are not "elitist" (term used by reviewer). They are commonplace in many locations and range from YMCA, gyms, senior centers, etc. Additionally, many yoga studios offer instruction for all ages and levels of ability, from beginner to advanced.
I still feel this book is an inspiration to learn and practice yoga. The models are real people, over 50, which in itself is an incentive. While some are longtime practitioners and famous teachers (like BKS Iyengar who wrote the foreward), many began yoga while in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Perhaps someday "More hype" will meet Ms. Francina in person. She is an empowering teacher as well as a talented author.
Buy The New Yoga for People Over 50: A Comprehensive Guide for Midlife and Older Beginners Now
This book has made a difference in my life! I have read several yoga books, but "The New Yoga for People Over 50" by Suza Francina spoke to my special needs. If you are seeking answers for questions relating to menopause, osteoporosis, healthy heart, etc., seek no more. This book provides answers. Her chapter on feet and knees is extremely helpful, providing the groundwork for specific needs. I keep this book handy as an excellent reference manual, both for myself and my friends. Additionally, this book is an inspiration to learn and practice yoga. The models are real and most are definitely over 50 years old. This in itself is an incentive. When you see people in their 70's and 80's, you are encouraged that you, too, can do yoga well into your "golden" years. After reading her book, I was excited to learn that I am close enough to Ojai (an hour's drive but well worth it) to take classes by Suza. She is an empowering teacher as well as a talented author. If you cannot attend a class, "The New Yoga for People Over 50" will more than suffice. Buy more than one; you'll want to share with a friend. Enjoy!After more than 30 years of teaching therapeutic exercise and Yoga for older adults, and having written a book for instructors (Seniors On The Move, published by Human Kinetics), I truly appreciate Suza's book, the New Yoga for People over 50. Both for students and for instructors, it's one of the most helpful and realistic guides for older adults I have seen in all these years. It addresses so many basic and critical issues related to aging and gives a very hopeful picture: the choice of REgeneration over DEgeneration, no matter what the age or present physical condition. I know how much work it is to write a book, how much sitting it requires, and respect and congratulate Suza for writing it! Even though no book can replace a good class, this book serves as a great inspiration and offers so much insight and education. Renate Rikkers, Exercise & Yoga Therapist. Author, Seniors On The MoveBeginners beware. I have been an enthusiastic yoga practitioner for 20 years and purchased this for an older friend. I had not read it but thought this would be good for the friend, a beginner with a sensitive back. She returned it to me in bafflement. On examination of the book, I understood her confusion and was disturbed by the content. Breathing, the cornerstone of the yoga discipline, is an afterthought. The poses demonstrated in the photos are not at all for the beginner, and some are positively unsafe for beginners to attempt, particularly those with lumbar or cervical injuries. This book is full of "success stories", particularly those of the author, who seems positively enchanted with herself. I understand the application of yoga for those over 50, but a different work is needed for beginners, with practical tips for home practice. Not everyone can afford, or has access to, a personal yoga instructor/studio, yet the book is based on this elitist assumption. I am left with the impression that the author is merely interested in promoting herself and her career as an instructor, rather than the well-being of older people hoping to improve their health and reap the benefits of this wonderful discipline, which a proper yoga guide would have as its focus. A pity.Here's the book on this topic I WOULD recommend, and ultimately selected for my friend: Yoga for 50+: Modified Poses and Techniques for a Safe Practice, by Richard Rosen and Robert Holmes. As the title suggests, it is appropriate for all health concerns, suitable for beginners, with clear instructions and photos, and lacking Ms. Francisca's self-congratulatory hype and granola aura. Yoga for grown-ups. My friend is very happy with it and well on her way.
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