| Jennifer Aniston does it.
Courtney Cox does it.
Madonna does it.
Is Yoga just a fad?
The answer for me is easy.
No! This
ancient practice becomes a way of life for many who try
it. Like most
people I came to explore yoga as a form of exercise to get
stronger and more flexible. Over time, I felt better not only physically, but emotionally
as well. Now
I can’t live without it. Most of my students start yoga
for the same reasons: flexibility, strength and
relaxation. Soon
yoga becomes a constant in their lives because they feel
so good. Many students have told me that they were able to decrease
their blood pressure medication after practicing for less
than six months. Another student who had become busy and
stopped coming for awhile returned because her doctor told
her that her blood work was so much better when she was
doing yoga. Most of my students, no matter what their age, find
themselves stronger and more flexible after a few months
of doing yoga two or three times a week.
The studies from the National Institutes of Health
have shown there are many benefits of yoga such as:
lowering blood pressure, helping to reduce anxiety and
depression, stimulates digestions, stimulates the function
of the liver, bladder and kidneys, as well as increasing
strength and flexibility. |
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When I tell
people I teach yoga many of the responses I get are:
“Oh, I could never just sit there chanting Om.” or “
I am not flexible ( or thin, or strong, or coordinated)
enough to do yoga!” There is so much more to yoga than
sitting cross- legged chanting Om.
You do not need to be flexible, thin, coordinated or young to do yoga.
You just need to find the style of yoga that suits
your needs. There
are many styles of yoga, but here are just a few: therapeutic yoga can be done in a wheelchair or chair, viniyoga
is an individualized style of yoga appropriate for
most people, vinyasa
style is fast paced and increases your heart rate, kundalini is an energizing style of yoga, yin yoga is a quiet
and meditative style with long held stretches.
Whatever style you chose, it is important to find a
teacher that is knowledgeable and that is able to give you
adaptations that fit your needs.
There is so
much more to yoga than the physical poses. I encourage you
to find a class, video or books that will give you a
deeper exploration into the yoga tradition.
The beautiful thing about yoga is anyone can do it.
You do not need to be thin, flexible and young to
do yoga. All
you need is an open mind and heart.
Please visit our website, nowandzenlodi.com,
for a list of our classes and times. Please mention Styles
of Lodi and get your first class free.
Come in and see why Jennifer, Courtney and Madonna
attribute yoga to their healthy bodies!
written
by: Deb Marweg, Now & Zen Yoga Spa
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