Move and stretch for improved physical and mental well-being 

Who likes Yoga classes?

Men and women who are looking for ways to reduce their stress response and relax while moving their bodies like yoga classes. In addition to the benefits named above, yoga also helps people develop their strength and flexibility and improve their balance.

Beginner yoga classes are designed for people who have not had previous exposure to yoga and are eager to learn so they can experience the amazing benefits of yoga. The beginner needs direction from an instructor who teaches at a relatively slow pace and includes a great level of detail so they can become familiar with basic yoga poses and proper breathing.

What is a Yoga class?

Classical yoga is an ancient practice that is rooted in Indian philosophy. An adapted form of yoga is growing in the United States today due to its ability to promote physical and mental well-being. It brings together the mind and body through a combination of certain poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayamas) and meditations (dyanas).

Yoga poses, or asanas, focus on an individual’s strength, flexibility and balance. Asanas may be performed seated, prone (lying flat face down), supine (standing upright), or tabletop (on hands and knees). One strength focused asana called an “inversion” can be compared to a standing split. Both hands are on the yoga mat, along with balance centered on one leg as you lift the other leg up behind you as far as it will go. Your balance benefits as you hold your core tight, focus your gaze and breathe deeply. Other standing asanas that also benefit your balance include hip openers and the tree asana.

In addition to standing asanas, in each class the instructor leads seated poses. The member sits on the ground with both legs straight out, unfolded. Then the class moves to a butterfly pose with the soles of their feet together and knees spread apart. Each person in the butterfly yoga pose leans forward with their elbows pressing down on each knee. Bring your belly in so you can hinge forward at the hips.

Do a seated twist with the left leg extended, right foot on the floor with the right heel inside the left inner thigh. Circle your right hand behind you and grab your left hip from behind. Lift your left hand straight up, then around in front of you to your right knee. Hold your knee and continue to twist to the right, looking over your right shoulder. A reclining spinal twist is where you lie on your back and hug your knees tight to your chest. With your arms extended out to the side, drop your knees to the right and let your gaze go to the left.

Of all the asanas, the up dog and down dog are some of the most well-known by the world. These dynamic movements help strengthen muscles that support your spine and prevent compression, which leads to pain. Curving your back in and out, concave to convex positions, helps keep your spine flexible.

As far as breathing techniques, Inhales and exhales through the nose are important. Your stomach should expand with each deep inhale, rather than shallow breaths in the top of your chest. Expel all of the air during each exhale as your stomach contracts. With each exhale, allow yourself to go deeper into the current stretch. Your exhale should be longer than your inhale, maybe for a five-count, before you transition into the next pose. Try to do an ocean breath, where your inhale and exhale through the nose (not the mouth) makes a raspy sound to help you focus on your breath.

Yoga practice is considered to be active through the holding of each asana.

The equipment used in the practice of yoga includes a personal yoga mat, a yoga block and/or a tension strap.

When and where does the Yoga class meet?

All four WK Fitness & Wellness Centers have yoga classes that meet in their aerobics studio.

Why do Yoga?

Yoga exercises can benefit a person’s overall well-being. Asanas (movements) call for strength and flexibility as you strengthen your core and sense of balance. Your whole body sees benefit, rather than just one body part or limb. Regular yoga practice is likely to increase your proprioception, or your awareness and ability to feel where your body is in space and exactly what your body is doing at any given moment. It’s a quiet class with soft music that trains you to focus on your breath in the present time, the here and now, as you improve your sense of mindfulness.

We encourage you to bring your own mat for sanitary purposes.