Defying Age with Strength and Mindfulness

Janine Agoglia’s Purple Room Yoga Movement in One Pose

In the transformative world of wellness, there exists a gem among yoga practitioners seeking to support those experiencing the complexities of aging and wellbeing. 

Meet Janine Agoglia, a dedicated yoga teacher who has been rhythmically embracing the world of Vinyasa yoga since 1995. Her passion and mission are encapsulated in Purple Room Yoga, the online yoga studio she launched in 2021. 

I first encountered Janine through her Substack, Purple Room Yoga, and was immediately drawn to her warm, insightful, and practical approach to yoga and holistic health. 

Janine’s mission is clear: to help individuals, particularly those over 50, age gracefully with strength, balance, mobility, and mindfulness.

Her Transformative Journey

Janine’s journey into yoga began at age 23 during her days as a modern dancer. "After some cajoling from one of the choreographers I was working with, I stepped into a class and fell in love," she recalls. 

Initially, yoga was a way to enhance her flexibility and strength, but it soon became much more. She says that yoga transformed her from an "actively practicing" perfectionist, constantly anxious and judgmental, into someone who listens to her body and embraces its wisdom. 

"Back then, I used to injure myself a lot, always pushing myself to the limits. Slowly, I leaned into the cue of 'listen to your body,' and started to shed the mindset of pushing myself to injury," Janine shares. This shift from competition to self-compassion is a lesson she cherishes and imparts to her students today.

The Birth of Purple Room Yoga

After 22 years of teaching in studios, Janine embarked on a new chapter by founding Purple Room Yoga. "I wanted to focus on people my age and older. I have found yoga to be such an integral part of keeping my body healthy, strong, and mobile," she explains. 

The name "Purple Room Yoga" was inspired by her favorite color and the purple room in her home where she holds her online classes.

Janine’s online platform is not just about physical practice but about holistic well-being. "We work on the body and the mind, as they are interconnected," she emphasizes. Her classes are designed to cater to the needs of active adults over 50, ensuring they can maintain an active lifestyle with comfort in both mind and body.

Aging Gracefully with Yoga

Janine’s philosophy on aging is both realistic and inspiring. "Aging is no joke. From the moment you are born, you start aging," she states. 

She believes that yoga is a powerful tool to help navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with aging. "Practicing yoga keeps your body strong and supple so that you can move. When your mind is racing, it’s difficult to focus or sleep."

Her approach to yoga for aging bodies is rooted in adaptability and mindfulness. "When you’ve been practicing yoga for any amount of time, you (hopefully) know that you are allowed and encouraged to adjust your practice to meet your needs," she advises. 

Whether it’s making the practice more challenging or backing off, Janine stresses that there is no one way to practice yoga, especially as we age.

Strength, Balance, and Mobility

As a member of Gen X, now at age 52, Janine’s yoga practice has evolved significantly. "Rather than focusing on the 'trick poses' of my youth, I focus more on functional poses that keep my body strong and stable," she says. This focus on strength, balance, and mobility is essential for aging gracefully. "As we age, we lose bone and muscle mass, so strengthening poses are key. I practice them each time I step on the mat."

Balance is another crucial aspect of Janine’s practice. "Practicing balance helps me adapt to the constantly changing surfaces under my feet," she explains. This practice, she says, not only enhances physical stability but also helps prevent falls, a common concern for older adults.

Mobility, too, she believes is vital. "Even my hypermobile body can feel stiff in the morning. Moving and stretching to remove the stiffness and be pain-free throughout the day is enough," she shares. Janine’s approach ensures that her students maintain their flexibility without risking injury.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits

Yoga is not just about the body; it’s about the mind and spirit too. Janine emphasizes the mental and emotional benefits of yoga, especially for those over 50. "Yoga brings you back to yourself. It gets you out of your head and into your body," she says. This grounding practice helps individuals navigate stress, anxiety, and the racing thoughts that often accompany aging.

"Yoga teaches you to notice your thoughts and sensations so that you can respond, rather than react," Janine explains. This mindfulness cultivates self-compassion and reduces reactivity, leading to a more peaceful and grounded state of being.

Creating a Supportive Community

One of the most remarkable aspects of Purple Room Yoga is the sense of community it fosters. Janine’s classes are more than just yoga sessions; they are a space where individuals can connect, support each other, and grow together. "The friendship and connection that people cultivate on these retreats is truly amazing," she says, referring to the yoga retreats she organizes.

On these retreats, participants experience the profound benefits of practicing yoga together for an extended period.

“Being able to show up as yourself without feeling judged is a rare thing in this world. Yoga retreats are a space for exactly that," Janine shares. 

The supportive and open environment allows individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and grow emotionally and spiritually.

Encouraging New Beginnings

Janine’s message to her students and followers is one of encouragement and possibility. "There are many styles of yoga to suit everybody," she says. “Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, there is always something to learn and ways to adapt the practice to suit your needs.”

She recalls a student who started yoga at 72. "She did her best, rested when she needed to, and really liked how yoga made her feel. She felt stronger at 72 than she did at 52," Janine says with pride. This story encapsulates her belief that it’s never too late to start something new and reap the benefits of a dedicated yoga practice.

A Closing Pose

Janine Agoglia’s journey and dedication to yoga are a testament to the transformative power of holistic body movement. Through Purple Room Yoga, she has created a sanctuary where individuals over 50 can embrace aging with strength, balance, mobility, and mindfulness. Her approach is rooted in compassion, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of body and mind.

For anyone looking to age gracefully and maintain an active, fulfilling life, Janine’s teachings offer invaluable guidance. As she wisely puts it, "The goal of yoga is to find the balance between strength and ease, with less struggle and more stability." Embrace the journey, listen to your body, and discover the profound benefits of yoga with Janine Agoglia and Purple Room Yoga.

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