These seniors really stretched it out!
About 20 seniors practiced deep breathing and limbering exercises during a yoga class designed specifically for older adults at the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park on May 8. The class helps the oldsters relax and improves their flexibility, said veteran yoga teacher Joann Rivezzo, who led the class.
“I basically do a gentle yoga class with them, get up and down on the mats,” said Rivezzo, who lives in Mill Basin. “We do yoga, posture with stretching, breathing, meditation, relaxation. We use props to make them more comfortable.”
The City Parks Foundation hosts the free classes for eights weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays through mid-June at the nature center — most are held outdoors under the sun, but because it was a drizzling and chilly morning, Rivezzo moved the venerable yogis inside to keep their muscles warm for the moves, she said.
And even if seniors have arthritis or poor flexibility, the outdoor class is a great way to start the day, said Rivezzo.
“It’s a very nice class — they like being out in nature,” she said. “It helps them just to feel better over all.”
Seniors can also pick up a racket for free tennis lessons, or enjoy a brisk fitness walk around the park as part of the program, which lasts until June 16.
Senior Yoga at the Salt Marsh Nature Center [3301 Avenue U near E. 33rd Street in Marine Park, www.cityp
