We came to Canada from Czechslovakia when I was a young girl. 

Some of my earliest memories as a kid, are of my  mum practising yoga in our living room - back in the 70's when yoga was just for hippies ... but I didn't give it much thought or attention.

 

Growing up, our family lifestyle was active: tennis, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, water-skiing, were all on the agenda often and regularly. 

Eventually I became an elite athlete in rhythmic gymnastics, and later a national-level coach, dancer and choreographer. But it took many years of long distance running and 2 kids before I rediscovered yoga again -

for real. 

After being uber-flexible in my youth, and despite being very fit from running and weight training,  I suddenly realized I could barely bend over - and never  without pain or stiffness. Uh-oh. 

Like the chicken and the egg - was it injuries or aging - that was plaguing  my muscles and joints?