The New Yoga for People Over 50: A Comprehensive Guide for Midlife & Older Beginners

I think the "The New Yoga for People Over 50" is one of the best yoga books I have ever read for the older generation. I am a yoga instructor and most of my students are 40,50,60,70. I have read the book three times, and am reading it again. I get something out of it each time to apply to teaching and my own practice. It gives hope to more mature people that they do not have to be inflexible. It shows you can start yoga at any age, and still get its benefits.

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!

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 Move

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!

I love this book. It is one of a kind. The other books on yoga show young people in impossible poses and don't show the gradual process of getting there or the intermediate poses that will get you there eventually. I am only 41 years old, but find this book extremely helpful and encouraging. I love seeing the pictures of older people looking so healthy and vibrant. It gives me hope for the future and shows you that getting older only means getting wiser, more flexible and healthier. Thank you Suza!