Namaste! Yoga changes lives of rural empty-nesters

Yoga lessons

The villagers had never heard of yoga before and were embarrassed to try the new activity in public.

Lu had to teach himself yoga from pictures and videos online before inviting the villagers to join him.

Instead of introducing just one style of yoga, the Party chief decided to focus on specific movements taken from different styles that were suitable for the elderly. Basic lessons like breathing and meditation were also adjusted to give the busy farmers a break during the exercise time.

Confident and determined, Lu promoted his classes door to door and aroused the interest of villagers: why not give it a try?

At first, even the adapted movements were too much for them. "We had never done such exercises before. Yoga made me ache all over," 59-year-old Jin Xiuying complained.

However, after continuing for two months, Jin changed her mind. "The pain is gone, and only warmth remains after yoga practice."

Balancing on one leg, planks, sit-ups, and headstands in the sun have become acceptable and popular movements for the villagers.