Blog Post: Returning to the Mat – Starting Yoga Again in My 40s
It took me a while to admit that I had somehow forgotten about yoga.
For the past decade, between raising kids, and trying to keep life running smoothly in the midst of new babies, family illnesses, bereavements, global pandemics (I'm spiralling - you get the idea), moving my body intentionally had quietly fallen off the map. For years, my exercise was carrying toddlers, pushing prams and buggies, lugging groceries, cleaning, and when I did finally decide that I needed exercise back in my life I was quickly "influenced" and jumped on the 5 day a week weights and running combo that left me feeling depleted and wondering why I couldnt keep up!
But recently, now - here in my early 40s, something has started to shift. After 10 years of all encompassing motherhood, I have quiet moments in my day when the girl before the babies appears and asks me where I've been. She reminds me to read the book, take a breath, sing the song, eat the cake - like a childhood friend excitedly knocking on my door after a long holiday and asking me to come out and play.
And so, just as I had throughout my teen years and my twenties, I remembered myself, smiled - and rolled out my yoga mat.
The First Stretch Back
I remembered the poses in my head better than my body did. Lifting weights meant my body was strong but welded shut. My hamstrings creaked when I reached for my toes and my hips felt the strange dichotomy of both weakness and resistance after three consecutive pregnancies. And yet, there was something deeply familiar and comforting about that first child’s pose. I sank into it like an old friend, sorely missed and thoroughly welcomed back.
I lingered in the gentler poses - only now appreciating their power - so very different from when I had practiced so many years ago. I soon realised that this return to yoga wasn’t about chasing flexibility or sculpting my body; it was about reconnecting with myself, giving attention to a body that had done so much for others - created and nurtured life - and now needed some care, space - time of its own.
Gentle Poses to Start (or Start Again) With.
If you’re like me — returning after years, post-kids, post-chaos — these gentle poses have been a great way to ease back into yoga:
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Child’s Pose (Balasana) – A grounding, restful posture that stretches the back and hips while calming the nervous system.
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Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) – Perfect for waking up the spine gently, increasing mobility without strain.
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Supine Twist – Lying on your back and dropping the knees to each side helps release the lower back and aids digestion.
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Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) – Strengthens the glutes and back while opening up the front body, which is often tight from sitting.
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Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) – A gentle inversion that promotes circulation and relieves tired legs and feet — also deeply calming.
Even five or ten minutes with these can make a difference.
The Benefits I’m Rediscovering
Coming back to yoga in this part of life, I’m realising its reward runs much deeper than toned arms or improved flexibility - although they are great too! I’m genuinely sleeping better. I am more patient and feel more grounded during times that could easily overwhelm me.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re thinking about starting again, you don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. You don’t need new gear, the “right” body, or an hour of free time. You just need to begin — even if it’s with one pose, one breath, one quiet minute.
This is not about social media style shales and bouncing back after kids; it’s about moving forward with patience, self-compassion and a little humour when you find yourself utterly humbled by a pose that once came easily!
So here’s to returning. Let's roll out the mat!
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