So I recently watched this video by JP Sears on yoga photos on Instagram and I laughed so much that I had to share it on my Facebook page. Before we go on with this post, I´d love for you to watch it because now every time I make (yes MAKE) my photographer husband take yoga pics, I can´t get this video off of my mind!

Well, now I will still share here some of the photos that I have posted or will post on Instagram of yeah, me, doing asanas. But so, why do I share them on Instagram? Am I trying to show off? Am I desperately seeking attention? While I´d like to believe that is not the case, the truth is there is probably some of that! In fact one of the reasons I practice yoga is to tame the ego. So, yeah, I´m not perfect and I do have an ego and that´s the truth.

Variation of dancer’s pose (c) Viva Fifty media

But now the real, or at least the most important, reason why I post these photos online is that I´m turning 53 pretty soon (in August to be more exact) and I´d love to inspire others. That was one of the main reasons for me launching Viva Fifty!, two years ago. I wanted to show younger women that being over 40 and even over 50 doesn´t mean you suddenly fall apart at the seams. And I wanted to inspire women my age to continue or start taking care of themselves, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

You are as young as your spine is flexible! (c) Viva Fifty Media

Listen, I know that yoga is not for everyone, and I also realize that yoga is not just a series of contortions. I don´t just practice asanas, although I enjoy them tremendously. I also indulge in Yoga Nidra and meditation. Other physical forms of yoga I practice regularly are Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and sometimes, Aerial Yoga.

I NEVER thought I could do crow and now it’s a regular thing (c) Viva Fifty Media

The point is not that you should take up yoga; the point is that keeping your body, mind and spirit in motion from a very young age, pays off in the long run! When I´m at the studio, I´m next to people in their 20´s all the way to their 70´s. You really cannot tell a person´s age on the mat … Some of the younger ones have lost their ability to touch their toes, while a lot of the older folks are doing handstands in the middle of the room. A lifetime of exercising (running, dancing, swimming, and only recently, yoga), has helped me arrive in midlife in decent shape. I don´t feel like crap when I get out of bed in the morning. And I can still play sports with my kids and go dancing with my younger friends and not dislocate a hip.

Aerial yoga is empowering and FUN (c) Viva Fifty Media

If you hate exercising, I understand. I can´t relate because fitness has always been a part of my life. BUT I know I´m not the norm. There are only so many of us crazies that get a kick out of working out. So, if my photos practicing yoga at almost 53 can inspire one person to get moving … even if it´s just a stroll in the park with their dog, it was worth being judged as being an egocentric yogini!

But now, check out the next collage. My daughter, 12, and me, nearly 53, having fun at the dock. This is the real reason why I do all of this. I grew up watching my dad exercise, and that’s how I got into fitness for life. I’m hoping my kids follow suit!

This is perhaps the REAL reason I do this – My 12-year-old and me, almost 53, having fun with yoga! (c) Viva Fifty Media

How can YOU start and keep up some form, ANY form, of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness routine today? Remember, your kids are watching you!