| Yoga is everywhere. In ads from McDonalds to | | | | increase spinal flexibility, and even change a mood. The |
| mattresses, people are shown striking a yoga pose. | | | | breath will be emphasized during the postures as well, |
| Television characters are running off to a yoga class. | | | | with coordination between movements of the body |
| Friends and family own yoga mats and blocks and | | | | and the inhalation and exhalation of the breath. |
| videos. Local studios are opening up, classes are being | | | | The end of class is time for a deep relaxation. As you |
| offered at churches and schools. So, it seems like | | | | lie on your back on the mat, the teacher will begin by |
| everybody is doing yoga, but what exactly is it that | | | | leading the students through some type of guided |
| they are doing? | | | | relaxation for the body and mind, progressing to |
| A hatha yoga class will generally contain three | | | | silence. At first, you may fall asleep as the body |
| elements: breathing, postures, and relaxation. Different | | | | relaxes fully. But as you continue to practice and your |
| types of yoga will offer these elements in different | | | | body and mind become accustomed to releasing, you |
| amounts and different orders, but most always the | | | | will find this time relaxing and rejuvenating, but not sleep |
| three will be present in a class. Breathing, really | | | | inducing. When the relaxation period is finished, usually |
| becoming conscious of the breath and using it with | | | | indicated by the ringing of a bell or chimes, you will |
| awareness, is one of the most physically and mentally | | | | slowly sit up and come into a cross-legged position |
| beneficial aspects of yoga. There are many different | | | | again. Traditionally, a yoga class ends with the chanting |
| kinds of breathing exercises, some that create calm | | | | of OM three times. The sound OM has no meaning in |
| and balance, others that create energy and heat. | | | | itself, but is considered a cosmic vibration. It sounds |
| These exercises may seem unusual and even | | | | similar to the sound Amen. |
| awkward at first, but allow yourself to simply | | | | After class, students feel incredibly peaceful and |
| experience them, and you will come to enjoy them. | | | | relaxed, and the body feels awake and comfortable. |
| Yoga postures are practically infinite in variety. There is | | | | Students report having a very good night's sleep on a |
| a core of between 15-30 postures that are most often | | | | day they have taken a yoga class, feeling more |
| done in class. These include seated postures, standing | | | | patient, less in a hurry, and in a good mood. If all this |
| postures, balancing postures, twists, and inversions. The | | | | sounds like a tall order, investigate for yourself: sign-up |
| postures may be sequenced in a variety of ways, | | | | for an introduction to yoga course. Commit to taking a |
| depending on what the teacher is emphasizing in the | | | | yoga class once a week for a couple of months. See |
| class. Different postures may open the hips, lengthen | | | | for yourself what yoga can do for you. |
| the hamstrings, stretch the shoulders, build strength, | | | | |