84-year-old Claremont yoga teacher proves age no barrier to healthy mind and body

CLAREMONT yoga teacher Sheila Hayes is proving that age is no barrier to a healthy mind and body.

The 84-year-old has dedicated her life to the discipline, studying and teaching with many of the great yoga masters over the past 50 years.

She is also a founding member of one of the highest standards of yoga in the world, British Wheel Yoga.

Ms Hayes brought her skills to Claremont in 2013 after moving from the UK.

She said yoga was about mind and body, achieving balance, health and confidence.

She is now trying to encourage women and men over 60 to try it.

“Everything takes practice, but the benefits of yoga are endless,” she said.

“Being able to stretch and move, get up and down off chair and helping your core strength, posture and balance.”

She said yoga was also about being social, making time for yourself and meeting new people.

“It’s for you, nobody else and it gives you a chance to have some respite from the world,” she said.

“Yoga isn’t something you have to start young, but something you can start at any age.”

She said she encouraged people to come to a class and have a go.

“I’m 84, but work hard to stay young,” she said.

“No one can make you feel well but yourself and no one can motivate you to get off your bum, but yourself.”

Classes are held at the Twisting Fish in Claremont on Tuesday 1.30pm-3pm and Thursday 2pm-3.30pm.

For more information visit www.twistingfish.com.au.