Add Yoga to Your Routine

Whether you are 5 or 50, fit or not, yoga can offer a wealth of health and emotional benefits. Yoga was initially developed in ancient India, where the Sanskrit meaning of the word "yoga" is "union." This is a reference to the primary purpose of the practice, which is to unite the often disparate elements of body and mind.

People unfamiliar with the practice of yoga often imagine it to be merely a collection of simple stretching exercises, without the kind of aerobic intensity required to lose weight. But in fact, many credit yoga for weight loss and maintenance, as well as muscle and strength development.

Yoga is a series of linked postures and movements which were created to increase flexibility, strength, balance, breathing capacity, organ function, immunity and an overall sense of well-being and peace. The positions are often named after animals or things in nature (such as "The Downward Dog" or "Lotus Pose").

As the body moves through a series of poses which are guided by (ideally) a certified and experienced instructor, focus is centered on breathing. Breath is considered the link to the force of your own inner life, and to be able to control breathing during yoga is a way of learning to draw upon a sense of calm from within, even in the most chaotic of times.

In addition, many health experts recommend yoga for assistance managing high blood pressure and chronic pain, circulation and respiratory problems; as well as increased immunity and boosted metabolism.

Yoga can help alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. Many people who practice yoga frequently often feel better about themselves in many ways which leads to a more accepting outlook on life. Yoga increases blood flow, oxygenation and core strength. Yoga has also been known to enhance the sex life of practitioners, adding confidence, control and flexibility.

Yoga comes in a vast array of styles, both ancient and modern, all of which are built upon similar postures. Just a few of the very many types of yoga classes are:

• Hatha: First used as a prelude to meditation, Hatha is calm, relaxing and great for de-stressing. Pace adapts to student's individual needs. Great for newbies and those with physical issues.
• Kundalini: Guaranteed to get you moving, Kundalini is an excellent workout with a strong spiritual component. Postures flow from one to the next with an emphasis on fluidity and control.
• Jivamukti: A traditional approach which is often inclusive of chanting and spiritual thought. This is a challenging workout and a style that may best suit someone who is ready to go all the way with yoga.
• Power: Modern and athletic, Power yoga is a terrific choice for someone who is already familiar with fitness and wants to take it a step further.

Yoga is such a flexible means of bringing health and often happiness into the life, that it can be manipulated to suit the abilities of the elderly, as well as very young children, people suffering chronic pain and those restricted by disabilities which frequently prevent other types of activity.

Our area is quite literally a hotbed for yoga. Starting with , a studio which specializes in heated yoga classes. In this style of yoga the room is warmed to an unusually high temperature which serves to increase flexibility and brings a different element of challenge, and increased relaxation to the practice. If you have never done yoga before it is always wise to start off with a beginner's class.

Many local gyms feature various types of yoga classes, and as with anything new, it's best to try out several and find the one which best suits your needs. ,  and  all offer varying levels of yoga classes.

At the Juluka Yoga studio in nearby Hillsdale, classes of many styles are offered to potential yogis and yoginis. There is also "family yoga" for everyone, and classes specifically designed for seniors, teens, tweens and small children.

If your child has specific issues with focus, communication and coordination, check out  or . Both classes are fun confidence boosters that are easy for kids to access and enjoy while utilizing their bodies and the space around them.

Yoga is one of the few activities that can be experienced by people at almost any level of fitness. The physical rewards of consistent yoga practice are matched only by the combined sense of power and contentment it can bring.

Often at the conclusion of class, the yoga instructor will salute the participants with a word of hope from the Sanskrit language, "Namaste."

Peace.