Woman, 78, claims she’s in the same shape and just as flexible as she was in her TWENTIES thanks to yoga – and insists just 20 minutes of stretching a day is enough to keep you toned
- Mother-of-two Barbara Currie says she is in the same shape as she was in her 20s
- Discovered practice while looking to renew her body after having two children
- Former air hostess and nurse Barbara, of Surrey, became a yoga instructor
- Has appeared on morning TV and her YouTube videos have over 20,000 views
A 78-year-old yoga enthusiast claims the practice has ensured she’s still in the same shape now as she was in her twenties – and just as flexible.
Barbara Currie, of Surrey, first discovered yoga in the 1960s while looking to renew her body after having two children, who are now in their fifties.
The former nurse and air hostess later trained as an instructor and went on to appear on TV shows such as GMTV and has produced a number of yoga DVDs and books.
She also has a YouTube channel where some of her videos have notched up more than 20,000 views.
Barbara Currie, 78, claims yoga has ensured she’s still in the same shape now as she was in her twenties – and just as flexible
Pictured in her twenties, Barbara puts her age-defying looks down to regular yoga over the years
Speaking to Platinum magazine, Barbara explained how she’s never had any physical ailments – something she puts down to her regular practice.
‘Yoga is whole body realisation and doing the right exercises has kept me entirely well,’ she said.
‘It is essential to make a distinct effort, you have to keep your body healthy and your mind stimulated, because if your body goes then you can’t do anything.’
Barbara added that just 20 minutes of stretching every day is enough to keep you looking toned.
Former nurse and air hostess Barbara trained as an instructor and went on to appear on TV shows such as GMTV and has produced a number of yoga DVDs and books
Barbara teaches daily classes in Surrey at her yoga school, which range from beginners to very advanced. Pictured demonstrating a sideways stretch
‘I’m the same shape as I was in my 20s and I’m 78 now,’ she said. ‘Even 20 minutes of stretching will keep your joints flexible and your bones nice and strong.
‘It’s certainly kept me toned.’
Barbara’s interview appears in the latest edition of Platinum magazine, out today
Recalling the first ever yoga class she attended, Barbara said it left her feeling as though she was walking on air.
Her first teacher was nearly 60 and in great shape, and Barbara admitted the ‘perfection’ of her body made her keen to pursue the craft.
Now she teaches daily classes in Surrey at her yoga school, which range from beginners to very advanced.
For Barbara, it’s all about helping people from all backgrounds and influencing their lives for the better – even if that’s only through her online videos.
‘We can’t all afford to go to a gym or spa, so I like the way that online can make [yoga] very DIY,’ she explained.
‘Once you’ve learnt basic salutations you can use them to help yourself without any money whatsoever.
‘My two kids are both in their 50s now and a handful of my clients have been with me for decades.
‘Yoga still makes me feel connected with my body. It teaches us self-realisation, which helps us make the most of our time.’
Read the full interview with Barbara Currie in the April issue of Platinum magazine, on sale today (February 26).
Barbara’s ’10-minute miracle’ yoga workout
Barbara claims these three postures will change the way you look and feel:
RISHIS POSTURE
Rishis posture is great for rebalancing the lower back, and enhancing flexibility
1. Stand straight with your feet three feet apart.
2. Inhale and stretch your arms up in the air. Stay stretched.
3. Slowly bring your left foot forward.
4. Exhale and bend down to grasp the left calf with the right hand.
5. Slowly raise your left arm into the air and carefully turn your body with it. You should be looking directly to the left, with your torso parallel to the wall.
6. Now, inhale deeply and on the exhale, very slowly drop your left arm back down toward the floor, bringing your head to your knee.
7. Try to relax and get used to being in this bent position. Breathe deeply -you should look as I do in the photo above.
9. To finish, engage your torso muscles, lift your head and slowly return to an upright position.
10. Place your hands at your waistline and take two final deep breathes in and out.
SIDEWAYS STRETCH
This is brilliant for slimming and toning the midriff.
1. Stand straight, with hands on your waist.
2. Inhale deeply, lift your right hand in the air. Slide your left hand down the side of your left thigh.
3. Follow the movement with your torso, so that you’re bent to the side as I am in the photo (above).
4. Now, engage the right side of your body and lift back to standing position.
UPWARD BACKWARDS BEND
This posture firms the waist and increases circulation
1. Stand straight, lift your arms and slowly bend as far backwards as you can.
2. Hold the position for a count of three, then engage your stomach to lift your back to an upright position.
3. In a continuous movement – keeping your back straight —reach down to your toes.
4. Count for five and lift back to standing position.