Yoga is an ancient tradition to improve well-being by uniting body, mind and breath through a variety of exercises and skills.
Hatha Yoga is most popular in North America and focuses on physical wellness. Within Hatha there are many different styles to fit any fitness level or challenge. Some are very demanding and others are very relaxing.
I started doing yoga when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and found it helps me undo harmful effects of life on my body and mind, while increasing my ability to enjoy, and appreciate all the positive things in life.
It helps develop my physical, mental, and emotional condition so I can play more, and work less – regardless of the task in front of me.
At a yoga class you can expect a few minutes at the beginning to focus on your breathing, followed by a series of warmups and then more challenging poses or sequences.
At the end, there is often time for relaxation and returning the focus to your breath. The most important thing when finding a yoga class is that you feel comfortable and that the class suits your ability, level and needs. Instructors have different expectations regarding class etiquette, so if you have any questions it is a good idea to check with the instructor before class begins.
I believe it is not the person that needs to accommodate him or herself to yoga, but rather the yoga practice that must be unique for each individual.
Every student has their own starting point every day. For that reason, I teach small classes and encourage students to be aware of their own body. In my experience, this is where yoga has the potential to become a healing process, not just an exercise class.
Yoga can help anyone develop greater physical strength, recover from illness and injury safely, improve concentration and can even be used as part of a program to help with anxiety and depression.
There are many ways yoga can help you achieve your goals in 2016. You can start yoga at any time and at a pace and level you are comfortable with. I encourage people to give it a try, be willing to experiment and most of all to have fun with their practice.
Submitted by Kerry Ammerman from Studio Kerry Yoga at 355 William Street in Palmerston. She can be reached at 519-261-0222 or at kerry@studiokerry.ca
