Old Is Gold: Practical Yoga for Aging Bodies

Old Is Gold is a yoga workshop for older bodies, led by Cristie Newhart at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is meant for people who have wanted to try a yoga class but worried about getting into the poses or up and down from the floor, for those who feel self-conscious practicing in a group, and for those who let their practice lapse and want to return to it in their later years. Experienced students and complete beginners are equally welcome.

The weekend offers a strong yet gentle approach to yoga, one that helps participants embody the wisdom that comes with the elder years. Newhart's message is simple: it is a privilege to be older, and it is fun to be challenged at any age.

What to Expect

Over a weekend residential program, you move between yoga practice, teaching sessions and shared meals. Within the workshop, you will learn:

- Breathing techniques that strengthen focus, mindfulness and energy
- Simple, supported and smooth ways to move from seated to standing while staying stable and relaxed
- Balancing and other postures chosen for what older bodies need, including movements that support joint health, flexibility and pain relief
- How to listen to your body, discerning what it would love to do while gently accepting its physical limitations
- A home practice that builds confidence for yoga classes
- A deeper understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice

Modifications and alternatives are taught throughout.

The schedule begins on the opening day with check-in at 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:00. Full days start with Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am, followed by a silent breakfast. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and again from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch between them. Another Kripalu Yoga class runs from 4:45 to 6:00 pm, then dinner. On the closing day, morning yoga and silent breakfast are followed by a final session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure. Times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the details and room locations.

About Cristie Newhart

Cristie Newhart is a member of the Kripalu faculty and leads this workshop. She also teaches Essential Practices for Everyday Life at Kripalu, and here she brings a welcoming, practical approach to yoga for people in their later years, whatever their experience.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. They range from private rooms for those who want solitude to community-style dorms for those who want connection with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. On departure day, check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three nutritious meals are served each day, including silent breakfasts and communal dining.

Before You Go

This workshop suits beginner to intermediate students, including people who have never practiced and those returning after many years. Sessions are taught in English.

Your stay includes:

- Over ten daily yoga classes at varying levels
- Three meals a day
- Access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities
- Program sessions with Cristie Newhart

Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for additional purchase. Transportation to and from the venue is not included. If a program is full, a waitlist is available.