News Summary
Salomon Delgado, a 93-year-old yoga instructor, has been teaching at 24 Hour Fitness in Santa Monica for 28 years. Known for his personalized approach, his daily classes attract many dedicated students, mainly elderly women. Delgado combines various yoga techniques and emphasizes the importance of attention in practice. Despite some health challenges, he remains committed to teaching and promoting community engagement among seniors, emphasizing the transformative power of yoga for all ages.
Santa Monica is home to a remarkable 93-year-old yoga instructor, Salomon Delgado, known affectionately by his yoga name, Raghavan Dad. He has been teaching yoga at the 24 Hour Fitness gym for 28 years, providing daily classes that draw dedicated students, many of whom have attended his sessions for decades. His classes occur every morning, except Sundays, typically filling up with around 30 participants, predominantly elderly women, who cherish his personalized approach to yoga.
The 24 Hour Fitness location, established in 1996, serves as a flagship gym in Santa Monica with approximately 15,000 members. Delgado’s reputation as a yoga guru has solidified him as a beloved figure within the community, with some students opting to practice only under his guidance. His unique teaching style combines sun salutations, gentle stretches, balance exercises, breathwork, and meditative elements, all delivered with an emphasis on simplicity.
Delgado utilizes a verbal instruction method while moving through the studio, foregoing physical demonstrations of poses. His class structure is carefully crafted, guiding students from floor poses to standing poses and concluding with savasana, or the meditative resting pose. This method keeps the classes engaging and accessible, promoting a diverse participation that fosters community among attendees.
Despite his extensive experience, having studied kinesthesiology, physiology, anatomy, and holding certifications in Pilates, aerobics, and senior exercise, what students appreciate most about Delgado is his attentive nature and genuine care for their well-being. He begins each session with a vital rule: to “pay attention,” which he cites as essential for yoga practice and overall health.
Delgado views attention as a fundamental aspect not only of yoga but also of daily living, believing it leads to reduced stress and improved health outcomes. After migrating to Los Angeles from Ecuador in 1959, Delgado explored various professions before embracing his passion for yoga in his mid-30s. He earned his teaching certification in 1972 and even opened his own studio in Westwood.
In addition to teaching, Delgado maintains a pescatarian diet, prioritizes hydration, meditates daily, and advocates for physical activity at any age to uphold health and well-being. Remarkably maintaining good health at 93, he manages occasional high blood pressure and utilizes a pacemaker, while regularly exercising and practicing gentle yoga techniques.
Delgado shows no signs of retirement, confidently stating he will continue to teach yoga for as long as he is physically able. He encourages seniors to engage with their communities, emphasizing the importance of purpose and volunteerism in promoting active lifestyles. Furthermore, he advocates for the benefits of hugs, suggesting they can enhance energy and positivity in daily interactions.
Through dedication and passion for yoga, Salomon Delgado has become a cornerstone of the Santa Monica fitness community, inspiring countless individuals to prioritize their health and well-being regardless of age. His commitment to teaching and the enriching experiences he provides to his all-age students serve as a testament to the transformative power of yoga.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: 93-Year-Old Yoga Teacher
- Wikipedia: Yoga
- Los Angeles Times: Deborah Vankin
- Google Search: Senior Yoga Benefits
- Beritaja: 93-Year-Old Yoga Instructor
- Google Scholar: Yoga for Seniors
- Los Angeles Times: Salomon Delgado’s Yoga Classes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yoga
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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