Can you tell me how you first came to yoga?
I discovered yoga while I was seeking relief from back pain...and I found that and much, much more! After two classes a week for a month, I knew that if I ever stopped doing yoga I'd be really sorry someday. I never expected to become a yoga teacher!

Would you define yourself as a pioneer in yoga in N. America? How so?
I think I'm a pioneer in wanting to bring the benefits of yoga to seniors. Most yoga in the early 90's was geared to the hard-bodied athletic types. I knew that it was a powerful practice for everyone regardless of age or physical condition, and I started teaching to seniors. I wrote the first book that was in print at that time, Yoga for the Young at Heart, especially for senior yoga. Then I made the first Yoga for the Young at Heart video. That was the first video teaching senior yoga that I'm aware of. Recently, I launched my new website, www.YogaHeart.com. It's been a great journey!

How did you arrive at the notion of accessible yoga as a driving force in your brand of yoga?
So much of the yoga we see presented is intimidating and demoralizing for people who are just beginning a yoga practice. I think that does a disservice to the gift of yoga, as well as to people who would benefit from it if they were comfortable beginning a practice. No one should be afraid to try yoga, so I wanted to make it available...and accessible to everyone. My style of teaching is not intimidating and will entice people to yoga who would otherwise be left out...even people in wheelchairs can stretch and breathe. I say, if you're breathing, you can do yoga!

What are the defining characteristics of your approach to yoga?
On some level, yoga is accessible to every body; even only breathing is a form of yoga practice. My approach is based on the concept that the body should be gently treated and honored. Yoga is not competitive, and it shouldn't hurt. We begin at the fitness level where we are and progress from there in a compassionate practice. We celebrate the wonder of our bodies, quiet our minds so we can hear our inner wisdom and gently become stronger, more flexible and more peaceful. Yoga works, all we need to do is do it.

Tell me more about your Basic Series for Boomers, the over 50 men and women in my age range.
Maturing Baby Boomers today are not passive about health. We're proactive and creative. By making yoga part of our daily routines, we can develop and maintain the fitness and relaxed attitude that supports us in living life on our terms, then we can enjoy every minute to the fullest! In my videos, the yoga student is actually joining my class and practicing along with a class of "real people".

The Basic Series consists of three DVDs. Each program is progressively is bit more challenging than the previous one, giving the student the ability to progress in their practice, or mix the programs to fit their mood of the day. My programs bring the benefits of yoga to people who may not otherwise have a yoga practice. Or, it's great for people returning to yoga and looking for a gentle and effective way to get back in shape.

If I'm over weight and out of shape, do you think I can do it?
My yoga programs can be adapted to any level of ability. One of the lessons of a yoga practice is self-acceptance. You can only begin where you are. Take it slowly and gently, honoring your limitations and lovingly doing what your body allows you to do. In time you'll begin to see the positive effects of your practice and it won't take as long as you think. Do what you can. Be patient. You have to start somewhere.