Gennie Nickels

Gennie Nickels is a breast cancer survivor. But long before she fought cancer, she taught yoga. Because she believed that the yoga exercises helped her retain her health, she designed a class to pass those benefits on to other older adults.

Yoga is said to be the oldest defined practice of self-development used today. It originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Through the practices of yoga, one may improve the body, attain better control of the mind and senses, and improve one's attitude toward oneself.

"Yoga is the pathway to better physical and mental health for seniors," said 70-year-old Nickels, who teaches Yoga for Seniors at 68's Inside Sports in Overland Park. She has taught there for 25 years, including before the facility emerged under its current name.

Nickels, who holds a master's degree in exercise physiology, believes that yoga saves a lot of bones.

"It is so beneficial to seniors," she said. "It makes them more flexible and gives them better balance, which is so essential for seniors, who tend to fall and break bones as they age. The relaxation, the relief of tension, and the socialization are important, too."

Nickels guesses the age range of her students to be from under 60 to 80-plus. Most are in their 60s or 70s. She doesn't know for certain, because her policy is not to ask students their age.

I sat in on Nickels' 10:30 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday class, which had 11 participants in attendance the day I was there. Four were men. Although many men enroll in yoga, many with their wives, speculation abounds as to why the classes tend to draw fewer men. Some say there simply are more senior women around than men. Others say that some men perceive little value in yoga because it is not strenuous or exhaustive enough. But Nickels stresses that exercise does not have to be violent to improve flexibility or strengthen muscles.

According to Nickels, "Yoga will make one strong. It is a very balanced exercise. For instance, if you work one muscle, you will work an opposing muscle. One is only as strong as the muscle that surrounds a joint."

Nickels repeatedly tells her students, "What you do today will make you stronger tomorrow."

As I sat through Nickels' class, the silence felt exhilarating. I could sense the stress vanishing as participants stretched their muscles slowly and rhythmically. It was obvious that class members were enjoying the experience. I envied them.

Andy and Annella take the class together. Annella enthusiastically pronounced that her husband, who has Parkinson's disease, consistently surprises his physician with yoga's positive results to his health.

Linda Cunningham, retired from the FDA, is another class member who touts the joys and positive results of yoga. But Cunningham's praise and devotion to yoga is equaled by Marilyn Fenton, another member of the class, who has been involved in yoga for several years.

The class members unanimously admire their teacher, and that admiration is reciprocated.

According to Nickels, "[These students] are a special group. They are different from most seniors, who for various reasons will not venture far from home. As a class, we eat lunch together about once a month, go to the movies, and even traveled to Branson together."

Nickels wants to spread the word: "You are never too old to take yoga!"

Nickels attended Wyandotte High School and has lived in Johnson County for 40 years. She and her husband, Bob, have been married for 50 years; had two daughters, Kristan and Kimberly; and dote on their grandson, Tanner. She and Bob enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and attending the Methodist church.

Nickels will be teaching a Stretch and Strong yoga class at 68's Inside Sports and has invited "all young-at-heart seniors" to attend. For more information, call 913-888-9247.

A comprehensive article about men and yoga is available at www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2585?utm_source=
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