Beatles legend Paul McCartney has a knack of yoga practice that has kept him going even at the age of eighty.
Paul McCartney opens up on yoga practice
He revealed in an interview with the “Smartless” podcast 2020, that he maintains a regular practice with[via Yoga Journal] “a couple of mates,” among them Lorne Michaels and Alec Baldwin. “We have this little thing,” said McCartney. “It’s called ‘The Yoga Boys,’ and we do yoga together, and we’re terrible.”
McCartney’s also serious about not limiting his practice to the physical. In an interview for his blog in 2015, he said he regularly turns to transcendental meditation, which he learned in India from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. “I think it’s always very good to get a sort of still moment in your day,” he said in the post. “Whenever I have a chance in a busy schedule, I’ll do it…I always like to take a moment and just meditate. It’s a good thing.”
He also embodies yogic philosophy through his well-known charitable donations, benefit concert appearances, and community outreach. Recently, his book, Grandude’s Green Submarine, served as the inspiration for an episode of “Cosmic Kids Yoga.”
In that “Smartless” interview, McCartney responded to a question about how he stayed so fit. “I don’t think I am, of course,” he quipped in response. McCartney went on to explain his health regime, which includes a longstanding practice of vegetarianism and daily workouts.
McCartney’s workout routine has alos been revealed by the man himself. During the podcast, he explained it typically starts with him and his mat. After beginning with some floor work, including with a foam roller, he does some cardio. He concludes with his favorite part of the routine, a Headstand, which never fails to draw a reaction from the the heavy weightlifters when he goes to the gym instead of practicing at home. “At the end, I do a Headstand, and they come over to me, [and say] ‘Hey, that’s pretty impressive, man,’” he said. Although for McCartney, it’s about more than flipping himself upside-down in an inversion. He also does eye yoga on a regular basis and is a strong proponent of the practice.
