Klavdija Moškon Belina, Yoga Teacher and Organiser of Sports and Cultural Activities at Talaso Strunjan

Yoga – A Versatile Exercise That Knows No Age Limits

A regular yoga practice offers not only a flexible and healthy body but also a calm and vital mind, regardless of age. I always emphasise to my guests that yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it’s a journey to the heart, where we find peace and balance.

Through meditation and breathing techniques, we learn to listen to our hearts and open ourselves to love and compassion, both for ourselves and others. This inner peace can be shared with those around us, and with the world in which we live and work.

A bridge between body and soul

Yoga can be seen as a bridge between body and soul. The combination of breathing and movement creates harmony. Every movement, every asana, is an invitation to listen to our bodies—with respect and gratitude.

By caring for our bodies, we express our gratitude for the gift of being present, able to feel and move in this beautiful world.

For older individuals, yoga holds particular value, helping to maintain mobility, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and relieve joint pain in a gentle and relatively risk-free manner. It’s especially beneficial for the spine.

The spine, that strong yet delicate pillar of our body, carries us through life every day. Yoga helps maintain its strength, flexibility, and vitality. Regular practice keeps the spine healthy and free of pain and limitations, regardless of age.

Try These Two Simple Yoga Exercises

Gora (Tadasana):

A simple daily exercise is Gora (Tadasana):

Stand upright with feet hip-width apart, firmly planted on the ground, arms relaxed by your sides.
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing—expand your chest fully and breathe evenly.
With each inhalation, imagine the spine lengthening; with each exhalation, relax the body slightly while maintaining a stable posture. Feel the earth supporting you.

This exercise strengthens both body and mind, promoting inner peace. The breathing technique can be used for other standing exercises as well. Adjust the timing according to your well-being.

Cat-Cow (Marjariasana-Bitilasana)

Another simple exercise is Cat-Cow (Marjariasana-Bitilasana), which relaxes the spine and relieves tension in the lower back and neck:

Starting position: Get on all fours, with knees under hips and wrists under shoulders. Straighten your back.
Cow position: While inhaling deeply through the nose, slowly lower your abdomen towards the floor and raise your head and chest towards the ceiling. Push your chest forward to create a slight downward curve in your spine. Look upwards or forwards. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
Cat position: During a slow exhalation, pull your navel towards the spine and arch your back. Lower your head towards the ground, look towards your belly button, and pull your chin slightly towards your chest. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
Repeat: Continue alternating between the cat and cow positions, matching your movements to your breathing—inhaling for the cow, exhaling for the cat. Adjust the pace and intensity of the stretch according to how you feel.

This exercise also teaches us to be gentle with ourselves, allowing us to release tension through slow, conscious movement.

In today's fast-paced world, practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness offer us the chance to return to ourselves, calm our minds, and strengthen our bodies.

Meditation – A Precious Moment of Silence

Meditation helps us delve deeper within. It’s like a guiding light through the dark clouds of thoughts, leading us to a calm shore in our inner world.

Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. If your thoughts drift, gently guide them back to your breathing. With time, you’ll notice your mind becoming calmer and your heart filling with peace.

Yoga is recommended by both traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, and modern Western medicine as a system of physical and breathing exercises, as well as meditation, all of which promote good health.

In Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are important therapeutic methods. This ancient science of life and healing, originating in India, observes that disease arises from imbalances in the body and emotions. It therefore emphasises living in tune with your natural rhythms and nature itself. Yoga and meditation are excellent methods for managing stress and anxiety, helping to restore balance.

The Best Advice Is Simple

Trust the flow of life, take regular breaks during the day, breathe deeply, and be kind to yourself. Take time to care for yourself more often, with gentle acts like a warm oil massage, meditation, a dip in warm water, a soft hug, or enjoying a peaceful moment with tea and silence.