Yoga Stretch instructor Jenny Klossner brings to her students in the Older Adult Enrichment Program her many years of experience and level of expertise in the practice, first as a student-disciple herself and later as an instructor for the Adult School since 2009, as well as at various other locations around the Conejo Valley.

With a B.A. in Global Studies from Cal State Long Beach, Jenny went on to earn her Masters degree in Education from Biola University in La Mirada. After 18 years teaching 2nd through 4th grade in local schools, she decided to make a mid-stream career switch. The catalyst for this life-changing move was actually the profound inspiration that she derived from the yoga instructors she had during her many years of practice since 1999. "One of my teachers was 80 years old, but he looked no older than about 60. It was truly amazing." Jenny continued with her training and achieved her 300-hour certification and eventually her 500-hour certification, which is commensurate to Bachelors and Masters degrees, respectively.

Jenny feels very strongly about the importance of offering physical fitness classes for older adults. One of the top recommendations for the type of stretching and strengthening exercises that she does with her students was reinforced when she attended a recent conference on falls among the senior population, a common phenomena that can result in debilitating injuries. In addition, she focuses on breathing techniques, which helps to calm the nervous system and makes for a more sound, restful sleep and improved well-being.

"I feel like my services are really helping my students, both physically and mentally, with life transitions as well as coping with various age-related challenges and changes in their lives." Jenny's students really love attending her classes and look forward to their exercise sessions. This is evident when they show up early, before the start of class or stay after to socialize with each other. "They're like a little community, building friendships," says Jenny.

Outside of the teaching portion of her day, Jenny has a variety of leisure-time interests and activities. As mountain biking enthusiasts, she and her husband Martin, a Honda motorcycle mechanic, can be found riding in the great outdoors of the local hills. Indoors, her home is alive with the sound of music, which is a passion, having come from a musical family. In fact, Jenny's guitar playing and singing has been featured in several different bands to which she has belonged.

In the quieter moments, she takes time out of her daily routine to practice yoga, the activity that is such an important part of her life. So much so, in fact, that it's no stretch to say that she may be considered the fairy godmother to her flock of fitness-loving "grandmas," sharing with them the therapeutic benefits of yoga's transformational effects that can be considered a path to a veritable Fountain of Youth.

Interview & article by B. Kane