The Youthful Older Yogi

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Lessons from My 95-Year-Old Dad

Can you live a deeply connected, vibrant life without ever stepping onto a yoga mat?

In this special episode, MJ celebrates her dad, "Do-It-All Dave," as he turns 95. Still living independently, driving, fixing things around the house, and getting back on his bike after getting a pacemaker, Dave is living proof that the core teachings of yoga—consistent movement, purpose, resilience, and focus—don't require a single downward-facing dog.

Join MJ as she reflects on what a 1950s medic paratrooper and two-time cancer survivor can teach us all about healthy aging, letting go of old relationship baggage, and discovering your own personal form of "yoga" off the mat.

Takeaways:

Off-the-Mat "Yoga": Why mindfulness and connection are about how you live, not the poses you do.

The Power of Daily Motion: How small, consistent daily activity and goals keep the mind and body resilient.

Resilience in Action: Bouncing back from health bumps and accepting "whatever comes down the pike."

"The more I live, the more I want to live." — Dave Waddell (Age 95)

Connect & Share

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone in your life who inspires you to keep moving, and don't forget to subscribe to The Youthful Older Yogi!

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Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Have you ever walked into a yoga class and immediately felt the urge to apologize to the teacher for an injury, an ache, or the fact that you haven't practiced in years?

In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ addresses the pervasive "complaint culture" around aging and why walking onto your mat is always a complete win—no matter your age, experience level, or physical limitations. Whether you are actively healing from an injury, returning after a long break, or starting yoga for the very first time over 50, there is zero reason to apologize for your body.

There is so much more right with your body than there is wrong.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Ditching the Apology Trap: Why we feel compelled to apologize before class begins and how to share helpful injury data without guilt or shame.
• Reframing the Aging Narrative: How constant complaints about aging carve negative neural pathways—and how to shift your mindset toward gratitude and vitality.
• Empowered Language for Students: Simple, non-apologetic phrases to use when talking to a new instructor or returning to practice.
• Empowering Language for Teachers: How yoga instructors can handle pre-class apologies with warmth and gratitude.
• Focusing on What’s Working: Celebrating your breath, your presence, and everything your miraculous body can do today.

Connect & Practice with MJ:

• Website & Private Lessons: Visit shareyogawithmj.com to message about private, semi-private, and Zoom sessions for both students and yoga teachers.
• Support the Show: If this episode brought value to your practice, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Three full years and 75 episodes in!

In this milestone episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ reflects on three years of twice-monthly episodes, over 30 years of practice, and the continuous journey of self-study (svadhyaya).

This episode isn't about vanity metrics or perfect poses—it's a heartfelt gratitude note to every listener and a warm pep talk for anyone who thinks it might be "too late" to start moving.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Power of Showing Up: Why consistency is the ultimate act of showing up for yourself, even when life gets busy or overwhelming.
• Your Personal Toolkit ("Dr. Mat"): How movement, breathwork, and stillness act as a personal sanctuary during turbulent times.
• Learning & Unlearning: Saying a gentle goodbye to the poses of the past, letting go of perfectionism, and honoring the unique body you inhabit today.
• Why It’s Never Too Late: An invitation for anyone over 50 (or at any age!) to try something—because movement is vitality, and it doesn't even have to be yoga.

Are you taking the time to consistently move and give your body the love and respect it deserves?

Enjoying the show?

Help us celebrate 75 episodes by subscribing, leaving a rating or review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs a gentle reminder to show up for themselves today!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Are some traditional yoga alignment cues ready to be retired—even if you aren't anywhere near retirement age?

In this episode of Youthful Older Yogi, MJ Waddell explores why strict, textbook alignment cues often fall short for bodies over 50. Drawing from years of teaching and personal experience navigating major hip replacements, MJ shares how shifting from rigid geometry to student-centered cueing creates a safer, more empowering practice for every body in the room.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The Mindset Shift: Why Leslie Kaminoff’s quote—"Asanas aren't alignment; people are alignment"—changes how we approach movement.
• Foot Placement & Stance: Ditching "feet together" or rigid "heel-to-heel" alignment in favor of stability, balance, and wider standing foundations.
• Pelvis & Hip Freedom: Re-think "squaring the hips" in Warrior I or lunges, and what to cue instead.
• Wrist & Shoulder Safety: Alternatives to strict joint "stacking" in Tabletop and Plank for students with arthritic or sensitive wrists.
• Honoring Spine Curvature: No more "flat back" cues in forward folds, and how pelvic-initiated movement may be more useful.
• Nervous System-Friendly Breath: Moving away from forced deep inhaling and retention toward letting the breath "find its own size."

Key Takeaway for Teachers & Students

You don't need to fit into a textbook shape to "do yoga right." When we release rigid rules, we give students over 50 the agency to discover what feels stable, comfortable, and therapeutic in their own unique bodies.

Resources:

Leslie Kaminoff info: https://yogaanatomy.org/

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Ever feel like planning a yoga class has to be complicated or constantly changing to be effective? After over 20 years of teaching, I’ve learned that the secret to a safe, empowering practice for bodies over 50 isn't fancy choreography. It’s smart simplicity!

In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, I’m sharing how I sequence my weekly classes for older adults. No more over-planning, only intuitive teaching, why students actually thrive on repetition, and how a simple functional framework keeps movement joyful and effective.

🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD FOR LISTENERS

Download the 7 Movements of the Spine Guide Here

Keep your spine agile, mobile, and healthy for daily life! Grab this free PDF reference guide to use near your mat or share with your student.

Episode Points:

• The Mindset Shift: Why I stopped writing out elaborate, minute-by-minute class scripts after two decades of teaching—and why less really is more.
• The Power of Repetition: Why familiarity removes cognitive load, builds confidence, and allows students to track measurable progress.
• The Two Non-Negotiables for every class I teach: Opening Breathwork and Extended Savasana
• Moving the spine in all 7 directions every single class for everyday functional mobility.
•  Repeating simple, accessible posture sequences (like Warrior variations) 3 to 5 times to build lower-body strength and breath awareness.
• Functional Balance & Integrated Core: Rethinking balance and understanding why core strength is built into every posture.
• Making Minor Tweaks: How keeping 80% of your framework consistent while shifting just 20% keeps classes fresh and non-boring.

Connect & Share Yoga:

• Website: connect with me here: shareyogawithmj.com.
• Newsletter: Subscribe to the newsletter for updates on free events, movement tools, and new episode releases!
• Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who loves moving well!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

 Is it ever too late to start a yoga practice? And does practicing through a computer screen actually count? In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ Waddell tackles the real-world barriers that keep adults over 50 from starting a movement routine—specifically the intimidation factor around technology.

Whether you’re curious about using fitness apps or considering a live Zoom class, MJ breaks down recent research on virtual exercise (teleyoga), shares real-life experiences from a 65-year-old app user, and provides a simple roadmap to help you—or a tech-hesitant loved one in your life—comfortably step onto the mat and in front of the screen.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The "Podcast Myth": Why subscribing to a podcast is always 100% free (and why MJ’s 95-year-old dad thinks she hosts a radio show!).
• Apps vs. Live Zoom Classes: What research reveals about safety, proper form, and fighting social isolation as we age.
• A Real-World Case Study: The pros, cons, and limitations of using yoga apps after 50.
• Bridging the Tech Gap: Simple ways to guide older parents, relatives, or friends onto Zoom without the stress or technical jargon.
• Custom Beginner Options: How to start from scratch with 1-on-1 private sessions or small groups (book clubs, walking groups, or neighborhood friends).

Free Tech & Yoga Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Share these zero-cost, beginner-friendly resources with the older adults in your life to help them get connected:

• Senior Planet from AARP: Free tech helpline (888-713-3495) and step-by-step, printable visual guides for using Zoom. Visit https://seniorplanet.org/
• GetSetUp.io: Free online tech classes taught by older adults for older adults. Visit https://www.getsetup.io/en-US/partner/getsetup-free 
• Your Local Public Library: Ask your local librarian about free 1-on-1 tech help sessions to set up Zoom on your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Connect & Practice with MJ

Ready to try yoga without the pressure? MJ specializes in teaching total beginners over 50 who think their body "can't do yoga."

• Book a Free Consultation: Set up a free, zero-obligation chat or Zoom call to discuss your goals and see if working together is the right fit. https://www.shareyogawithmj.com/
• In-Person Sessions: Available for locals on Florida’s Space Coast 
• Virtual Sessions: Available anywhere in the world via Zoom for individuals, semi-privates, or custom small groups.
• Website: https://www.shareyogawithmj.com/

Enjoying the Show?

If you're watching on YouTube, please hit the Subscribe button! If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream, tap Follow.

My entire platform is built on the philosophy of Share Yoga—and sharing or subscribing is the absolute best way to help get these helpful resources to someone who needs them!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

When was the last time you let yourself simply play? In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, we’re stepping off the sticky studio mat and onto the open water to explore Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga.

Trying something brand-new—especially when it involves a little wobble—is one of the best ways to gently stimulate your nervous system, build deep core stability, and bring pure, childlike joy back into your movement practice. We’re tackling the most common fears about floating yoga, debunking the myths, and reminding ourselves why stepping outside our comfort zone (and into a splash!) is exactly what we need.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Play Matters: How stepping onto moving water shifts your brain into present-moment joy and lightens up your practice.
• Nervous System & Core Benefits: Why tiny balance micro-adjustments fire up deep stabilizer muscles and train your body for real-world balance on land.
• Debunking SUP Yoga Fears: Myth-busting the fear of falling off, balance hesitations, and water safety so you can step onto the board with confidence.
• Choosing Your Practice: Whether you want a dynamic physical challenge or to simply lie back, float, and watch the clouds.

Links & Resources:

• Connect & Register for Nurture & Nourish (Last Call!): Visit https://www.shareyogawithmj.com/ (Only 8–10 days left to register for the September 29–October 3 retreat on Bald Head Island!).
• Finger Lakes Yoga Escape & Kaitlyn Vittozzi: Check out SUP yoga classes in Upstate New York at https://www.fingerlakesyogascapes.com/sup-yoga
• Written by: Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of “Blue Mind – The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do” https://marinesanctuary.org/blog/benefits-of-a-blue-mind/ 

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

In a society obsessed with stopping the clock, what if we shifted our focus to living well?

In this episode, MJ explores the concept of intentional aging and rejects the toxic narrative of "anti-aging." 

While intentional aging rests on key foundational pillars, one stands far above the rest: intentional connection. 

MJ shares personal insights from her two-month summer experiment of actively reaching out to people, putting connection on the calendar, and discovering how deep, real-world community transforms what it means to age with purpose.

Key Pillars Covered in This Episode:

• Movement
• Deep Sleep
• Nourishment
• Learning
• Laughter
• Intentional Connection (The ultimate pillar)

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Have you ever received a text asking you to substitute teach a class that was completely out of your comfort zone? Your immediate instinct might be to say, "No way, I’m not experienced enough!"

In this episode, MJ shares her personal stories from subbing back home in Fairport, New York this summer—navigating everything from a music-free Active Vinyasa to a "Total Body Tone" class with limited equipment. 

The ultimate takeaway? Don't let fear dictate your answer or stop you from evolving. True growth as a movement educator doesn't happen in our comfort zones; it happens in the doing, the researching, and the practicing. Whether you teach yoga, Pilates, barre, or somatic movement, stepping into the substitute arena is exactly how you become a more versatile teacher.

The 4 Core Tips for Navigating the Unknown:

• 1. Say YES to the Opportunity First, Figure Out the Details Later: Trust your foundational knowledge of movement and anatomy. Saying yes forces a necessary deep dive into research and preparation that ultimately expands your teaching toolkit.
• 2. Do Your Homework: If time permits, attend a class led by the instructor you are subbing for with zero judgment. Use the time to witness the rhythm of the room and understand what the community expects.
• 3. Build a Bridge with the Regular Teacher: Reach out directly to ask what the students love and what their usual pace is. When the roles are reversed, pay it forward by leaving a suggested outline or floor flow for your own substitutes.
• 4. Trust Your Best and Just Show Up: If you can't see the class or reach the teacher, take a deep breath and teach authentically from the heart. Remember that experiencing a fresh perspective and a new voice is incredibly healthy for students!

Nurture and Nourish Retreat Announcement! 🌊

Ready to say "yes" to yourself this autumn? Space is officially open for the Nurture and Nourish Retreat on Bald Head Island (September 29th – October 3rd). This is a "choose your own adventure" experience with absolutely no rigid schedules, no expectations, and no prior yoga experience required. Come unplug, reset, and enjoy the exquisite beauty of the island. 👉Visit: https://www.shareyogawithmj.com/ for details and to connect with MJ to register

Connect with MJ:

• Leave a comment below with your wild, funny, or beautiful substitute teaching stories!
• Subscribe for more mindful movement, meditation, and insights on The Youthful Older Yogi.

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/

Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

How is your summer going? Are you actually taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and getting outdoors?

In this episode, we are turning the season into The Summer Yoga Playground! Give yourself permission to take your practice completely off the studio floor and step into the elements. I’m sharing three beautifully unique ways to let your senses soak up the season right now:

• The Symphony of Sound: My recent experience with a restorative sound bath and how vibration can offer profound rest. 
• Sunset Yoga: Rolling out your mat on the grass or the sand to connect directly with nature.
• Water Savasana: The ultimate floating relaxation technique using simple pool noodles.

Plus, time is running out to practice with me in person this summer and fall! Tune in for details on my three upcoming July workshops in Rochester and the second year of my North Carolina island NURTURE & NOURISH RETREAT.

Upcoming Rochester Workshops (July 2026)

Held at Penfield Yoga Therapy – Space is strictly limited to 10 spots per session!

• July 11: Teach Your Cues: Inspiration for Yoga Teachers
• July 18: Meditation Made Easy for Skeptics, Beginners & the Curious
• July 25: The Art of Breathing: Simple Techniques for Daily Life

Fall 2026 Retreat

• Sept 29 – Oct 3: Nurture & Nourish Women's 50+ Retreat (Bald Head Island, NC) — Only a few spaces left! Come enjoy beautiful morning/evening movement and delicious community dinners prepared by Terry Orr.

Mentions from the Episode:

• Listen: Healing Sounds with Lisa Frerichs
• Listen: Help My Nervous System with Heidi Kroft
• Listen: Yoga is Better When Wet with Christa Fairbrother 
• Watch: Head over to The Youthful Older Yogi on YouTube to see photos of the Water Shavasana setup, AND ANY OF MY EPISODES!
• Check out: Jason Crandell Yoga

Connect with MJ

• Website: Share Yoga
• Instagram: @MaryJayneWaddell
• Facebook: @MaryJayne Waddell

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review if you enjoyed the playground mindset, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little summer relaxation!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected] 

Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/