Starting college can be stressful, so much so that it drives students to a practice filled with a deep history and ancient techniques for finding peace of mind. Yoga.
But students are not the only ones gravitating toward these postures, meditations, and breathing practices.
Yoga’s Diverse Appeal
It’s not uncommon to walk into a yoga class and see an array of people of different ages. Some have been practicing yoga for years and others may be young college students, walking into their first class.
Roughly 34 million Americans reported doing yoga at least once in a year in 2021. Out of these millions of people practicing yoga, many are in different generations.
Victoria Kromhout is a 50-year-old yoga teacher in San Luis Obispo. She teaches at multiple locations including The Center SLO and the Cal Poly Recreation Center.
“One of my teachers was and is 25 years older than me,” Kromhout said. “I have studied under him and with him for many years and what I’ve observed is that the older you are, the slower you go.”
Kromhout also expressed how through slower movement, you can learn more about yourself and the practice of yoga. “You recognize the benefits in slow, careful and methodical movements. And there’s wisdom that comes with that as well,” Kromhout said.
In summary, Kromhout expressed that older generations tend to have a yoga practice that is…
- Slower
- More methodical
- Appeals to a deeper understanding of the practice
Yoga has also helped people improve their overall quality of life through the moral principles and expansive physical practice.
Students Starting Out
Kate Kohnstamm, a first-year Anthropology and Geography major, said that she began practicing yoga as a child since her mom is a certified yoga instructor.
“I love going to classes with multiple generations in the class,” Kohnstamm said. “Because it’s really cool to see older women rocking it in the corner. Like, I’m struggling but they seem to be doing fine.”
She explains how yoga is a practice that is inclusive to many generations. For example, she practices yoga with her mom, and she doesn’t think a yoga practice varies so much generationally.
“I don’t know how much of a difference there is,” Kohnstamm said. “But I do think it’s a great way to connect between generations.”
