The word yoga first surfaced in India in 1500 B.C. However, evidence suggests that yoga existed as early as 5,000 years ago. Early yogis (practitioners of yoga) found that breath work (pranayama) improved their ability to sing and yoga poses (asanas) kept their bodies healthy.
Today, millions of people all over the world are still reaping the benefits of yoga. People seeking a healthier mind and toned body have discovered yoga is a one-stop solution enabling them to enjoy a healthy, calm respite from their hectic schedules. On a physical level, asanas, tone, strengthen and align the body while on a mental level the breathing techniques help people relax and quiet their mind.
Yoga is no longer a new age thing that “other” people do. Busy moms are enjoying pre/post natal classes and discovering modern studios that offer childcare while they practice (practice is the term people use for taking a yoga class). Frazzled career people find a hard-core-yoga workout set to rock music is an antidote to a frantic day at work. There are classes for people looking to improve their flexibility and circulation after staring at a computer all day. Gentle classes for those who want to move slowly and hybrid classes for the fitness oriented crowd that integrate yoga postures with movements from dance and Pilates. Kids yoga classes are ideal for virtually any child from baby & me classes for infants to teens in need of physical or mental clarity.
Classes are generally described based on the level and the style of yoga they draw from. Ashtanga and Iyengar are two traditional styles of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is an athletic form that links breath and movement. Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention to detail, precision and the use of props such as blocks and straps. Vinyasa Flow is a vigorous style of yoga which links postures together in challenging creative sequences. Gentle Yoga is geared for students who wish to move at a slower pace, ideal for beginners. There are also classes that mix together several styles.
With a level of intensity and an approach to fit any practitioner’s needs yoga can offer its abundant gifts of health and well being to everyone.
It doesn’t matter if you are flexible or stiff, athletic or a couch-potato, in-shape or out, pregnant or retired, a vegetarian or a carnivore, trying to find a great work-out for your body or trying to find some peace of mind…. you can find it all in yoga class.
For more information, call 888-840-YOGA or visit www.yogaworks.com. They are located in the Bridgeport Market Place, Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway.