Like many men my age, who are still breathing, I'm not nearly so flexible as I used to be.

The shoulders pop, the knees grind, and the back aches.

Like many men my age, who are still breathing, my sense of balance has left me a bit wobbly.

I used to romp like a young mountain goat across the rocky peaks of Grandfather Mountain. Now, I grip the rail going down the basement steps.

Like many men my age, who are still breathing, I'm about as flexible as a steel pipe.

Touch my toes without bending my knees? Sure, and then I'll leap the Bank of America building in downtown Charlotte with a single bound.

And, like many men my age, I spend too much time fretting about the past and worrying about the future and not nearly enough time fully experiencing the moment.

A few weeks ago, when we were chatting about upcoming yoga events at the Warlick Family YMCA, including the Sept. 28 Yoga Fest, Y Associate Executive Director Susan Blanton suggested I give yoga a try and even volunteered to set up a session for me with a local yoga instructor.

The instructor kind enough to work with me was Rene Henderson. In trading e-mails as we set up a time to get together, I wrote, "I'm 64. In moderately good shape. But, with no flexibility and with declining balance skills. In other words, a tough project."

Her response was wonderful:

"I do not believe you are a tough project. Yoga should fit your body, not the other way around. I would be honored to teach you the foundational aspects of yoga."

My response:

"Forgot to mention, I also have lower back issues. A project."

Undeterred, Rene agreed to meet me at the Y for an hour's session. Thatshort time of instructionproved eye-opening, invigorating, and relaxing all at the same time.

First, Rene made sure that nothing hurt. The yoga pad, a folded blanket, and foam blocks were used to provide support for my balky back.

Second, she emphasized the importance of breathing, of focus, of mental clarity.

Then, she slowly and carefully walked me through a series of positions, taking time to explain the kinetics of each of them and the benefit they provided.

And, when the end of the hour came all too quickly, my constantly-complaining lower back was oddly silent.

An hour, of course,is just a beginning. A tiny baby step down a road that it is now up to me to navigate if I so choose.

But I think I'll take that road. Sign up for some classes. Work with my bride at home. See where things lead.

After all, I may be old, but I'm still kicking. And maybe with yoga, I can kick a little higher.

Bill Poteat may be reached at 704-869-1855.

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First try at yoga a rewarding experience - Gaston Gazette