Insights + interviews
In Conversation With Yoga Instructor Peggy Chan
64-year-old freelance yoga instructor Peggy Chan tells us more about being an active ager and why she practises yoga.
Having been a yoga teacher for the past 15 years, Peggy has taught numerous active agers that range from the ages of 30 to 80 years old. We find out about her daily routine and how you the active ager can also participate in this activity.
AA: Hi Peggy, firstly, how old were you when you started to do yoga and what made you decide to start teaching it?
PC: When I was in my early 30s, I decided to join a yoga class and ended up really liking it. I was also an active member in a weekly women’s workshop and chanting group. From there, I started sharing what I had learnt with my friends and family, and taught them the techniques I had picked up. Over time, I became more confident and decided to further my training by attending more classes to better myself. During that time, I taught yoga part time while working in an entirely different field.
AA: How did you manage to stay flexible and fit all these years to be able to practice and teach yoga actively?
PC: Achieving a high level of well-being, flexibility, and fitness, takes a lot of self discipline. Time, effort, and patience are also key to this journey. I brisk walk every weekend, and practise my yoga and breathing techniques consistently every day. Stretching is also important!
AA: What age group do your students typically fall under, and what are some concerns they may have when they just started picking up yoga?
PC: My students are typically aged between late 30s to 80s. Common concerns range from physical challenges such as not being flexible enough, or being overweight. Others are also worried that they may be too old to pick up yoga. I’ve also had students who were worried that they may be forced to do certain yoga poses. Some have also asked me if yoga is a religion.
AA: Do you follow any particular diet to complement the yoga practice?
PC: I don’t follow any particular diet, but I do believe in consuming everything in moderation. There is no one single diet that is suitable for everyone.
AA: Besides yoga, are there other activities you do in your free time to stay active?
PC: I practise prostration and tai chi arm swings to stay active.
AA: Do you see yourself teaching yoga in the long term? What other aspirations do you hope to achieve in the coming years ahead?
PC: As long as I’m fit and able, and there are keen believers who want to stay healthy and active, I’ll be right here and willing to teach. Aspirations wise, I definitely want to keep myself happy and healthy. I hope more middle-aged folks are able to continue enjoying life by keeping themselves active in any activities they like and are able to do. Be it singing, dancing, painting, cooking, qigong/tai chi, or yoga, the options are endless.
AA: What are some words of encouragement you would offer to the active ager who hopes to lead an active lifestyle like you?
PC: Maintain a positive and happy attitude each day. Our state of mind is very important as it will affect our whole body system. In whatever activity you learn or engage in, always listen to your own body as you know yourself best. Be consistent in your practice, even if it’s for a short time each day, as it will help you to achieve whatever goals you’ve set for yourself.
*Peggy Chan sells 10-lesson packages from S$80 to S$100 a session and conducts one-on-one or group sessions. Contact her at chanhayle@gmail.com to find out more.
