Yoga for 50+

Join Mary Baker for a simple and slow-paced class that focuses on the basics of yoga. Perfect for students who are newer to yoga or returning after some time off for injuries or health issues. This class uses modified transitions and yoga blocks for greater safety and stability moving between poses and moves at a much slower pace to allow time to refine and simply be and breath in each position.

This 20-minute sequence is accessible to ALL, be it that you are at the office or home, and can squeeze a break to yoga, or simply just wanting to try a different approach to the entrance, holding and exit of these staple poses. You will feel supported throughout this class using any steady, and preferably backless chair to experience this brief yet encompassing warrior series. We warm up together and then we move on to exploring all the Warriors: I, II & III, and their variations such as reversed, inclined, humble, and exalted. Also know that you will get to enjoy some delicious twists in crescent lunge, and of course all linked to mindful breath. Have fun!

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter One

If we’re honest, aging can bring a host of challenges. We won't always feel our best or our strongest, but we can practice yoga in a way that supports our vitality and muscles. In time, this will translate into a stronger practice on our mats and in our life.

To build strength, we start with the feet. The feet can become tight and rigid, losing flexibility and overall strength. We start with the feet because they have to support us for many years to come and are often overlooked in our practice. Exercises include how to massage and care for your feet. How to strengthen and how to flex, point and "floint." Yoga poses demonstrated with correct foot alignment include Mountain (Tadasana), Forward Fold (Uttanasana), Hero's Pose (Virasana), Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana), Seated Wide Angle (Upavistha Konasana), and Extended Leg Pose (Supta Padangusthasana). Approximately 30 minutes. This class is mostly a demonstration of poses with detailed alignment for you to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Two.

Showing up is the key to moving forward, and to show up we depend on the legs. We don’t want to hide from the changes in midlife; we want to "stand tall" and be ready for what may come.

This video details how to align, practice and firm the muscles of the legs. Poses and exercises include hamstring stretches in Forward Fold (Uttanasana), Standing Wide-Legged Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), Standing Figure Four (Eka Pada Galavasana prep), Warrior 3 Pose Standing One Leg Pose (Utthita Hasta Padongusthasana), Half Pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana), the Splits pose (Hanumanasana) Standing Baby Dancer (Natarajasana) and more. Approximately 30 minutes; a thorough demonstration of poses and alignment to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Three.

Human beings are not meant to live in isolation, and yet social disconnectedness is a problem in present-day society. Yoga can counteract the negative effects of isolation and build community in group practice. Our bodies are also a way to see ourselves as part of a connected whole.

In this video, we work with the knees and hips so our joints are connected to the “whole community” of the body. Exercises teach the concept of "shins in" and "thighs out," as well as "shins forward" and "thighs back." We work to create length and resilience in the calf muscles, and strength above the knee in the VMO muscle. Poses include Warrior 2, Downward Facing Dog Pose, Side Angle Pose (Parsvakonasana), Triangle (Trikonasana), Sitting Head to Knee Pose (Janusirsasana), Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana), and a variation of Cowface Pose (Gomukasana). Approximately 30 minutes; This class is mostly a demonstration of poses with detailed alignment for you to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Four

Aging can bring all sorts of challenges we cannot control. To give us support and build trust in the Universe, we want to develop a strong core. A strong core keeps us together. Desiree shows with our fearless model Cat, how to do abdominal bracing, a technique to help find the “rib anchor.” We work with Desiree’s “string of pearls” concept of slow-moving strength. Poses include Boat (Navasana), a supine twist (Jatara Parivartanasana), Plank variations, seated wide angle pose, (Upavistha Konasana), an inversion, and Crow Pose (Bakasana). There is nothing like the possibility of falling on your face to build trust in the Divine! This video requires a yoga belt, a tie or any long string. This class is mostly a demonstration of poses with detailed alignment for you to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Five

Change happens. It’s happening even at this moment. We have no choice but to carry on. We carry the weight of the world on our fragile shoulders. They can become tight and rounded as well as weak. With the help of our fearless model Maria, Desiree shows how to properly position and work with the shoulder girdle. Stretches often use a yoga belt. Poses include Reverse Plank (Purvottanasana), Forearm Plank, Side Plank (Vasisthasana), Cobra (Bhujangasana), Upward Facing Dog, the yoga “push-up,” (Chaturanga), a proper Downward Facing Dog and more. If you practice correctly, you will build strong, resilient shoulders. this practice is mostly a detailed demonstration of poses.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Six

Our fragile necks! Who designed this body where a 10-pound “bowling ball” of a head is balanced on seven tiny cervical bones? Certainly, not us. But nevertheless, here we are in a new age where we spend more time than ever in a forward position looking at technology screens. While this chapter delves into all the major physical challenges that older warriors face in life, our yoga concentrates on the neck. Problems with the neck – including vertigo, fracture and nerve damage from bulging discs – are now prevalent in midlife. In this video, Desiree shows exercises to build strength and the proper placement of the head in her “double-chin face.” Poses include Warrior One, Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), a variation of Bridge called Chatush Padasana, the bow (Dhanurasana) and wheel poses (Urdhva Dhanurasana) and more. This class is mostly a detailed demonstration of postures to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Seven.

If we’re going to feel balanced in life, we need to appreciate the passage of time, and use the “all of it” along the way. This includes our wrists and hands. Unfortunately, wrist injury is becoming all too common among yogis of all ages. In this video, we show you how to massage your wrists, stretch and lengthen the fingers, and then strengthen the hands in yoga. Poses include proper placement of the hands and wrists in Downward Facing Dog, Plank Pose, the yoga “push-up” (Chaturanga) and a stretch in Uttanasana variation called “Gorilla.” The peak pose is the ultimate wrist/arm balance, Peacock (Mayurasana). This class is mostly detailed demonstration of the poses to practice.

Fearless After Fifty, Chapter Eight

Meditation has been shown to have numerous physical, psychological and emotional benefits to support our body, mind and spirit. But sitting for an extended period of time, is not always easy or accessible. In this video, we show you how to find comfort and ease in a meditative posture. Yoga poses include legs up the wall, (Viparita Karani), supported Hero’s Pose (Virasana), and the three bandhas or internal locks that you need for spinal support, Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara. This class is mostly demonstration of poses for you to practice.

Fearless After Fifty : Chapter Nine

Let’s Practice is a 50-minute guided practice where Michelle, Desiree and our model Lili put it all together for a full-spectrum yoga practice. We include warm ups, standing postures, balancing, hip opening and spine strengthening. It is accessible for most, and provides a daily sequence to keep us strong and limber. Each model shows different ways to access the poses. If you can’t do it all, then do what you can, and work toward the rest. Most of all, have fun, take yoga seriously and yourself lightly as we enjoy all our days and the many ways to better health and enlightenment.

Fearless After Fifty, Bonus Video

Happy Feet is a 15-minute practice you can do at home to keep your feet healthy and strong, and prevent pain in the arches. Exercises include massage, stretching and strengthening poses. Our feet have to carry us for nearly 100 years. Take a few minutes a day to show them your appreciation.

Fearless After Fifty : Bonus Video.

Never give up! On those terrible, awful no good days when you feel meh, we show you how to practice yoga in a chair.

Never Give Up is a short, 10-minute tutorial to give you inspiration to find your “move” when you cannot stand or walk. You can access almost any pose – twists, forward folds, backbends and more – while sitting in a chair. The only mistake you can make, is giving up. If you cannot move one body part, perhaps you can move another? We want to inspire you to find your “giddy-up” even in the saddle! This class is mostly detailed demonstration of poses to practice.

Fearless After Fifty: Bonus Video

Who doesn’t want to fly, feel strong and build trust in the Universe? That’s what we’re having, but to be honest, older warriors have more risk when it comes to balancing out the rewards. We must have proper shoulder alignment or else we can create real and lasting problems in our upper bodies. We must be safe-ish, as a fall at sixty could likely break a hip. Therefore, we show you how to build your inner badass, at a wall. We can’t absolutely guarantee that bad things won’t happen, after all, this is life and we’re all in it together. However, if you follow these tips, you will learn how to approach an inversion practice with fearlessness, and safety first. This class is mostly a detailed demonstration of postures to practice.

Pelvic misalignments can lead to pain and discomfort everywhere in the body, from your feet to your neck; join Yoga Therapist Shy Sayar for this instructional video and learn simple but profoundly effective exercises to address muscular imbalances and correct structural misalignments - it can permanently change your practice (and your life) for the better!

Twenty years after her own back surgery, Kristin teaches a short sequence that focuses on releasing hamstrings and hips while strengthening back muscles. This all-levels yoga sequence will help bring relief to back pain by loosening tight muscles and strengthening the imbalances in our body due to our modern lifestyles.

Basics & Essentials - Class 1 of 5

Are you brand new to yoga? A complete beginner? If so, there's no better time to begin than right now. There are no prerequisites to this series or class. Just give it a try. You have nothing to lose!

The Yoga 101 series is a five class series that progressively teaches the basics of Hatha yoga, a combination of physical postures, deep breathing, and meditation (relaxation). This series is perfectly paced for those brand new to yoga. No matter what your body type, age, or level of flexibility & strength, this series will help you feel understand yoga, feel comfortable on your yoga mat, and release mental and physical tension.

This first class will teach you the nuts and bolts of yoga. You will get a feel for yoga, as well as learn the basics, allowing you to build a strong foundation. We will explore deep breathing, practice beginner yoga postures with optional props and modifications, as well as learn safe physical alignment. Start now, exactly as you are, and experience what yoga is all about!

Please bring along a yoga block, yoga strap (or a belt works), and a folded up blanket or towel. You can still practice this class without these props, but they are very helpful for beginners if available.

Other classes in the Yoga 101 Series:
Yoga 101: Align & Define - Class 2 of 5
Yoga 101: Loosen Up - Class 3 of 5
Yoga 101: Build Strength - Class 4 of 5
Yoga 101: You've Got This - Class 5 of 5

Form & Awareness - Class 2 of 5

You've gotten a taste of yoga in the first class in the series, now let's dive in deeper. In this class you will explore alignment and deep breathing while practicing focus, presence and body awareness. We will revisit postures from the previous class in a more refined way, as well as learn new postures that will improve your overall strength, mobility, flexibility, & spinal health. To get the most from this class, please practice the first class in the Yoga 101 series at least once.

Please bring along a yoga block, yoga strap (or a belt works), and a folded up blanket or towel. You can still practice this class without these props, but they are very helpful for beginners if available.

The Yoga 101 series is a five class series that progressively teaches the basics of Hatha yoga, a combination of physical postures, deep breathing, and meditation (relaxation). This series is perfectly paced for those brand new to yoga. No matter what your body type, age, or level of flexibility & strength, this series will help you feel understand yoga, feel comfortable on your yoga mat, and release mental and physical tension.

Other classes in the Yoga 101 series:
Yoga 101: Start Here, Start Now - Class 1 of 5
Yoga 101: Loosen Up - Class 3 of 5
Yoga 101: Build Strength - Class 4 of 5
Yoga 101: You've Got This - Class 5 of 5

Flexibility, Mobility & Breath - Class 3 of 5

So many people think they cannot do yoga because they are tight or cannot touch their toes. If that is you, please disregard that thought, and try this class anyway. You can do this, and it will help you! Regardless of your level of flexibililty (or inflexibility), you will learn modifications with and without the use of yoga props to help your body and mind experience less tension and more freedom. To get the most from this class, please practice the first 2 classes in the Yoga 101 series at least once.

Please bring along a yoga block, yoga strap (or a belt works), and a folded up blanket or towel. You can still practice this class without these props, but they are very helpful for beginners if available.

The Yoga 101 series is a five class series that progressively teaches the basics of Hatha yoga, a combination of physical postures, deep breathing, and meditation (relaxation). This series is perfectly paced for those brand new to yoga. No matter what your body type, age, or level of flexibility & strength, this series will help you feel understand yoga, feel comfortable on your yoga mat, and release mental and physical tension.

Other classes in the Yoga 101 Series:
Yoga 101: Start Here, Start Now - Class 1 of 5
Yoga 101: Align & Define - Class 2 of 5
Yoga 101: Build Strength - Class 4 of 5
Yoga 101: You've Got This - Class 5 of 5

Presence and Practice - Class 5 of 5

This is the final class in the Yoga 101 Series, a series designed for complete beginners. This class will weave together all the principals that you have learned in the first 4 classes in the series, as well as practice several new postures, basic Sun Salutations, and a short and simple meditation at the end. This class will leave you feeling inspired, accomplished, and balanced. To get the most from this class, be sure to practice the first 4 classes in the series at least once. You have come this far, now let's finish strong! Enjoy.

Please bring along a yoga block, yoga strap (or a belt works), and a folded up blanket or towel. You can still practice this class without these props, but they are very helpful for beginners if available.

The Yoga 101 series is a five class series that progressively teaches the basics of Hatha yoga, a combination of physical postures, deep breathing, and meditation (relaxation). This series is perfectly paced for those brand new to yoga. No matter what your body type, age, or level of flexibility & strength, this series will help you feel understand yoga, feel comfortable on your yoga mat, and release mental and physical tension.

Other classes in the Yoga 101 Series:
Yoga 101: Start Here, Start Now - Class 1 of 5
Yoga 101: Align & Define - Class 2 of 5
Yoga 101: Loosen Up - Class 3 of 5
Yoga 101: Build Strength - Class 4 of 5

Looking to find a bunch of badass older warriors? Join the Denver Colorado Wisdom Warriors for a fun flow type class. A “Wisdom Warrior” can be any age, but this practice is designed specifically for the adventurous yogi over 50. We move, but not too fast. We go deeper into our poses because we have the time. And we always find "more." This class leads to a peak pose of either Bridge, Wheel or Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana depending on your level, flexibility and strength.

A “Wisdom Warrior” can be any age, but this practice is designed specifically for the adventurous yogi over 50. In just 45 minutes you will feel better and stronger in your body. Featuring fantastic, real-life Wisdom Warriors of Denver, this class is a full spectrum flow focusing on shoulders, hips, spine flexibility and strength. Find your “giddy up” before it goes, get stronger and more flexible so we can grow better over time.

Join Yoga Therapist Shy Sayar for this perfect sequence to start your day and as an ideal warm up to any physical activity! With gentle, delicious movements and stretches for your hips and back, this class is therapeutic and calming as well as energizing.

This is a single posture restorative relaxation for the body, with a led meditation that's designed to cultivate your body's natural healing power. Specific breathing and visualization techniques are taught in order to go inward past the more superficial layers of self, which are bound by the slow movement of the physical realm. Working via the deeper layers of your self, you can access the quicker movement of the energy and spiritual planes, which has been shown to speed healing and recovery. Meditation techniques which you can use in your own practice are introduced, as well as a led meditation. This teaching will start you on a fulfilling journey of health and healing!

You’ve heard so much about yoga. You know it’s supposed to help you become fit, flexible, focused, feel younger and be less stressed. But even with all these benefits, there can be risks of injury if the practice is not done mindfully and with proper instruction. Prep Poses for Every Body helps you safely get started in yoga no matter how inflexible or inexperienced you are or what your fitness level is.

On this introductory class, Lynn Burgess guides you through the preparatory poses you need to begin your yoga journey. In the privacy and comfort of your own home, you will learn basic introductory postures. Think of this class as a jumpstart to helping you enjoy the amazing physical and mental benefits of yoga.

When you get up after a long stint in your desk chair, or when you sit down to dinner, do your hips talk to you, telling their tales of tight, achy woe? Hips tend to tighten up when they are not regularly put through their full range of motion. With so many yoga poses dependent on fluid, open hip joints, yoga expert, Lynn Burgess will lead you through a practice to help tackle the bindings that block hip opening.

In this class, we'll explore the principles of the biomechanics of the shoulder joint through a targeted Iyengar practice. The knowledge and techniques presented in this class will allow the student to safely work with the shoulders in their daily asana practice.

Gentle Yoga for Hips targets the hips and sacrum through a gentle flow based on the principals of a Viniyoga asana practice. This class can help open and gently strengthen the muscles associated with these areas. This class is beneficial for all levels of yoga practitioners. Props needed are a yoga block and a wall.

This soothing class targets the low back through a gentle flow based on the principles of a Viniyoga asana practice. This class can help relieve most common back pain as well as gently strengthen the muscles associated with this area.

This Iyengar-based isometric pelvic balancing series was developed by Kevin and forms the foundation of his therapeutic work. The exercises are designed to contract the muscles in order to allow the bones to move into balance and alignment.