You are invited to begin exploring yoga as a means to better health and well-being in a 5-session weekly class opportunity at Junction Center Yoga Studio here in Jacksonport.
Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The name for these ancient teachings is a Sanskrit word meaning union or joining, similar to yoke. The physical postures or poses are called Asanas and are intended to join body, mind and spirit. Whether it’s the immediate reduction in levels of stress or the measurable improvements in circulation and blood pressure, practicing yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of preventive medicine you can undertake. After a few sessions you will begin to notice improvements in your flexibility and balance. Over time, Yoga is also a strength builder.
On Tuesday mornings from 9 – 10:15 am or Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7:15 pm you are encouraged to enroll in 5-class Beginner’s weekly series. The series provides you with a basic knowledge and practice of yoga including an explanation of the philosophy, the postures (asanas) and breath work (pranayama). In the total series of 5 classes, you will learn all of the poses for a beginner’s home yoga practice.
The 5-class training series costs $60 or for those under 30 years of age, $50.
The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight, but the results are indeed long lasting. As you become fit and flexible most practitioners will begin to notice an increase in overall vitality and a greater sense of wellness. The different Asanas each focus on gently improving the functional capacity of your skeletal joints, muscles and connective tissue. By linking the actions to the breath, one also begins to “quiet the mind” – to hush that endless stream of thoughts that some mistake for consciousness.
Yoga students will also begin to take greater notice of their posture as they gain awareness of the alignment and range of motion inherent in their own musculoskeletal system. According to a notable physiologist, we become less flexible as we get older mainly because of certain changes that take place in the connective tissues as our bodies gradually begin to dehydrate. It is believed that stretching stimulates the production or retention of lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, thus preventing the formation of adhesions. Perhaps the greatest realization you will experience in taking up the practice of yoga is that you are actually capable of changing and improving your range of motion.
Classroom attire in Yoga sessions is freeform, but dressing in layers is advisable so you can peel them off depending on the level of exercise and temperature of the room. Students will often wear leotards, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops under a layer of sweats that can be removed.
There is only one way to find out if yoga is right for you. Sign up for a free beginner’s class at Junction Center. All of the equipment is provided in a comfortable environment. Beginner’s classes are for all ages, male and female and for any level of fitness or ability.
RSVP on Junction Center’s Facebook Page or call 920.823.2763 to join or learn more.