Yoga 101

According to Oprah, “It got Madonna hooked, fascinates Ricky Martin, and made Meg Ryan calmer.” It helped one woman lose weight, another cool her hot flashes, and another end her insomnia. A firefighter felt more stamina and a student got better grades. Millions of Oprah fans can’t be wrong…so if Yoga can do all this for them, imagine what it can do for you…

During an hour Yoga class, you’ll go through a series of exercises—stretches, postures and breathing. 3500 years of practice has led to the development of these exercises. They strengthen and purify the body while balancing the endocrine, nervous and circulatory system. Although Yoga may improve your flexibility, increase your circulation, and help you breathe easier, it’s more than just ‘exercise.’

Madonna says, “It is a workout for your mind, your body and your soul.” By coordinating your movements with your breath, Yoga reduces stress, and improves your ability to cope. You may find pleasant thoughts increasing while negative emotions decrease. According to Ricky Martin, “It’’s fascinating…it’’s all about getting to know your ‘self.’ Connecting your heart and your mind in order for you to not make compulsive or obsessive decisions in life.” If those things sound good, Yoga might be just what you’re looking for.

Yoga may even help you lose weight. Listen to Lucy’s story— “I was living for the moment when I would be the perfect weight and the mirror reminded me I was never there.” Lucy says, “The Yoga poses you do aren”t ever going to make you thin or lose weight, but through the poses and breathing exercises you get inside yourself. You make a connection you didn”t have before. Yoga taught me whatever weight I am, I am the perfect weight in the moment. I immediately began losing weight because I started feeling better about myself.” In fact, Lucy lost 25 pounds and more importantly, began to love herself.

Now that you’ve heard all the benefits of Yoga, are you ready to try it out? First, let me share a little about the classes.

Like people, Yoga comes in many sizes, shapes, and forms. Classes vary between styles and teachers. So if you try one Yoga class, and you don’t like it, please stay courageous—stick with it or try a different class. I’ve taken over 100 hours of Yoga classes from many different teachers and its amazing the type of variety I’ve experienced. Each teacher offers a particular method of teaching and I’ve received something valuable from them all. Of course, the most important thing for your success is a consistent practice. And if you have the courage to keep trying new things until you find that perfect fit, you’ll go a long way!

Okay, are you ready to get started now? Give Yoga a try, and I’m positive you’ll notice a difference in your life.