PHOTO GALLERY OF YOGA MOBILITY AT 74

I share asanas photographed using a ten second exposure delay and update walking and nutrition experiences during the past six months. 

[1]

 YOGA

DOCUMENTING

 'ADOLESCENT GERIATRIC'

 MOVEMENTS

NOTE

Other whole body movements practiced by me but not shown above include inverted and balance asanas - exceeding my ability to move within the camera exposure delay of ten seconds.

Also not included among the above images are asanas requiring both hands to support my full body weight - currently restricted due to:

•  compromised mobility in each from a diagnosed connective tissue disease (Dupuytren's Contracture)

•  lingering soft tissue trauma to my right wrist from a car accident in March, 2021  

     

VALUE OF GALLERY PHOTOS 

[1]  The images of asanas in one of five positions (standing, sitting, supine, prone, on hands) convey information about my current strength, balance and flexibility/range of motions.

&

[2]  Some of the asanas also indicate controlled breathing having a calm mind.

ONE OF MY FUTURE PROJECTS

EVALUATING

THE

EVOLUTION OF MY YOGA PRACTICE

INCLUDING

HOW YOGA BECAME A LIFESTYLE FOCUS

These PHOTO GALLERY images will complement earlier records maintained and address many questions about the history of my yoga practice.

I will be able to tell my story:  what I did to gain yoga mobility as a senior having no previous yoga experiences. 

NOTE

Detailed documents about what was done in group yoga classes and one-on-one partner pose sessions will provide the ability to ask questions about the transformations my body underwent to experience better mobility over 15 years to date. 

AN EXAMPLE

[1] 

How & when  did I acquire the ability to move into the five postures shown below?

&

[2]

Have I maintained these abilities or have they been restricted, lost? 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

[1] My yoga practice originated and benefitted from attending the skilled and inspiring instruction of RAY HOYT and others during large group classes and those in THE YOGA LOFT over many years.

[2] One-on-one partner yoga sessions with PATTY TREMBLAY for over five years further enhanced my yoga abilities and interest. 

This eventually led me to start daily morning and evening yoga sessions in my condo studio (2018) that continues in 2025.

ALSO

It is appropriate to mention the many and diverse yoga class  participants who have contributed to my yoga experiences and knowledge.

WITH RAY HOYT, 2023

[2]

DAILY

FALL AND WINTER

WALKING

During the past six months I continued a daily practice of early morning walks - often starting after 3:30 am under skies that varied each day.

These were the first Fall & Winter seasons I walked at this time - when increasingly lower temperatures became the norm.

On the coldest days when temperatures and winds led to conditions below zero I wore seven layers of clothes to protect my torso.

AND

I also was sure to cover my head and face, to protect both hands and feet. 

MOST CRITICAL

I learned to dress well for different weather conditions.

Rain, dense fog, freezing rain and/or sleet and snow days with windy conditions had me wearing a valued poncho.

MAJOR CHALLENGE

It was extensive and often barely visible ice formations that created the most slippery and hazardous road and sidewalk surfaces.

I shuffled my feet on many occasions but managed to stay upright and avoid a potentially serious injury from falling.

MY NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT

1,400 CONSECUTIVE DAYS WALKING

Achieved During February, 2025  

BEFORE WALKING EACH DAY

I DRINK WATER

I STRETCH BODY ON EXERCISE BALL

(1)

LENGTHENING

 SPINE, BACK GENTLY & SAFELY

NOTE

EXERCISE BALL

WITH LESS INFLATION

(2)

LENGTHENING 

 SPINE, PELVIC AREA & LEGS

Other stretches are done on my yoga mats as well.

TWO 

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

1st

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

I had another ten to fifteen minutes before returning to my condo, on the sidewalk at the site of the Auburn Senior Center when bright lights suddenly appeared.

I became the focus of four police officers - three aligned cars on my left and one on the right.

A local resident had called to report an individual carrying a hatchet.

Observing from a distance an individual wearing a jacket with a hood over a facemask and hands covered in bulky mittens carrying something could be imposing to someone not accustomed to someone walking at night. 

The officers immediately recognized I was carrying a walking stick and did not represent a threat.

I calmly answered their questions and appreciated their professional interactions with me.

2nd

UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

During my early morning walks these past months I have seen  rabbits and skunks along with dogs.

I was walking on snow covered roads near the Auburn Golf Couse, however, when my first encounter with a coyote occurred - an experience perceived as threating resulting in an immediate fight or flight sensation. 

I noted its initial forward and later lateral right and left movements low to the ground approaching me.

The sounds of my walking stick striking the ground was heard by the coyote and it eventually move out of sight.

Another closer encounter with a coyote occurred near the Auburn Senior Center; once again my walking stick was used to make noise and the animal moved away from me.

Both instances have made me pay more attention to my surroundings while walking.

[3]

NUTRITION

I AM STILL

 ENJOYING MORNING MEALS

AT

THE

 ROSE ROOM 

CAFE

LOCALLY SOURCED

& 

FRESHLY PREPARED

 FOODS

IN 

WEBSTER, MA

I

APPRECIATE

 INSPIRING LEADERSHIP & SKILLS

BY

OWNER

JESS SABINE

THE ROSE ROOM 

IS

A

VALUED RESOURCE

SERVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

PROVIDING

 EXPERIENCED, QUALITY & FRIENDLY

SEVICE TO ALL

NOTE

[1] I have continued to eat plant-based breakfast menu selections including some dairy but no meat during the past six months.

[2] With the owner's permission, I have supplemented each meal with additions purchased elsewhere including avocado, mushrooms, veggie mixes, mixed nuts and fresh fruits.

HEALTHY FOODS

The Rose Room meals are my primary source of daily nutrition

I only eat a banana or apple with some nuts and water afterwards - usually before 3:00 pm

My approach to nutrition has led to excellent Lipid Panel values

 

 

SHARING

THREE MENU SPECIALS

ENJOYED

BAKED APPLE & YOGURT, GRANOLA

BUTTERNUT BISQUE

COLD HUMMUS

ZA'TAR ROASRED GARBANZOS

PICKLED VEGGIES

+

HEATED FLATBREAD

NOTE

THIS WINTER THE ROSE ROOM CAFE WAS ESTABLISHED 

AT 

LOGEE'S

(DANIELSON, CT)

LOGEE'S SECIALIZES IN PLANTS

THIS SUMMER I WILL VISIT 

THE ROSE ROOM CAFE

 IN 

PROVIDENCE, RI 

_________________

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA

STARTING MY 15th YEAR OF HATHA YOGA

ENJOYABLE, GRATEFUL - Appropriate words about being able at 73 to practice daily an activity enhancing my mental and physical health. 

MY CURRENT YOGA FOCUS

TO MAINTAIN AND EXPAND

WHOLE BODY MOBILITY

COMPASS POSE

[A]

>THE FIRST SEVERAL YEARS<

Participating in group yoga classes led by RAY HOYT, my inspiring and skilled instructor, were the initial introductions to non-impact movements - begun having no previous experience  but recognizing future possibilities.

My yoga activities have become a priority - a daily and significant lifestyle focus

REGULAR PRACTICE REWARDS

During the first several years I gradually acquired abilities to move into diverse postures (asanas) on my own, with the assistance of others (one or more) and by using various yoga props that safely facilitated mobility (see below).

SIGNIFICANTLY

My strength, balance, and flexibility were all enhanced along with obtaining controlled breathing and an ability to 'calm my mind'

  COMPASS POSE 

MOVEMENTS BECAME POSSIBLE

[B]

> BACKBENDING IN THE YOGA LOFT<

My yoga practice provided an opportunity to address a significant physical limitation: a restricted mobility (range of motions) to curve my spine backwards

Years of participating in many group classes receiving assistance from:

 [1]

 three talented instructors

 and

 an especially valued regular partner (DG)

&

 [2]

 one-on-one partner pose sessions

in addition to

 [3]

 my own regular practice 

I gradually improved my back bending abilities - one notable example demonstrated by a Standing Back Bend.

 

DESPITE OBVIOUS LIMITATIONS

 BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY BODY INTO THIS BACK BEND IS AMONG THE MOST REWARDING, SATISFYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE

STANDING BACK BEND

PHOTO

PATTY TREMBLAY

Patty was another of my gifted instructors

I benefitted from her excellent teaching of group classes, especially during our many morning partner sessions for over five years in The YOGA LOFT

[C]

>CONDO YOGA STUDIO PROPS<

PROPS FACILITATE MOBILITY

My morning and evening daily yoga sessions at home that began on January 1, 2018 have used various props including yoga blocks, sandbag(s), a yoga strap, a back/abdominal support belt and an exercise ball among others along with a chair, walls, stairs.

THE

65 CM 

EXERCISE BALL 

This props has been an invaluable and reliable alternative way to stretch my whole body - especially the spine and back - in the absence of a partner(s) or a wall ladder and other back bending items once available in our community yoga studio (THE YOGA LOFT).

WHAT THE EXERCISE BALL ACCOMPLISHES

It gently and safely lengthens muscles & diverse connectives tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia sheets & sheaths).

OTHER  RECENT UPDATES

[1]

WALKING

UNDER THE STARS

My early morning walks during this October have often started before 4:00 am - at times with clear skies, a bright moon and many impressive star displays. 

NOTE

NEXT WEEK I WILL WALK FOR

 THE

 1,300th Consecutive Day  

ENJOYING

A

LOCAL SEASONAL DISPLAY

Smiling from a recent October observation 

[One of many different color variations]

[2]

NUTRITION

SHARING

TWO

 SEASONAL SPECIALS

RECENT MORNING MEALS

AT

THE ROSE ROOM CAFE

[WEBSTER, MA]

AUTUMN HARVEST SALAD

BROCCOLI, CELERY, CRANBERRY, SEEDS

AND

FOREST MUSHROOM MARINARA

ON

FLATBREAD

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS 

WITH

MARINARA

&

GARLIC, RICOTTA

NOTE

I enhanced each menu selection by adding other foods including avocado, mushrooms and a veggie mix.

 

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA