Yoga books tell us that yoga is aimed to unite the mind, the body and the spirit. Yogis believe that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons people want to start practicing yoga to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.

With all of the bends, twists and poses that work your body into a human pretzel, yoga is certainly a form of exercise that stretches you out. Yoga can improve flexibility, increase range of motion and just make you feel longer and leaner. If you're someone who gets discouraged because you can barely touch your toes without bending your knees no matter how many sessions of yoga you do, take heed. Yoga is about much, much more than flexibility. Being super stretchy doesn't make you "better" at yoga at all.

The biggest misconception is that one must be naturally flexible to practice yoga. That is why there are so many varieties of yoga. For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. We all have something on that list. What's more, yoga:

Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Reduces stress and tension. Boosts self esteem. Improves concentration and creativity. Lowers fat. Improves circulation. Stimulates the immune system. Creates sense of well being and calm.

In August, the senior center is offering yoga classes at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Sara Spevacek wants to make sure that anyone who wants to try it can, so we are offering your first time free. After that, there is a $2 charge per class. Spevacek is a physical education and health education student at Wartburg College. She has been practicing yoga for five years and has been teaching classes for two years. To sign up for this class stop by the front desk or call 433-2370, ext 0.

Upcoming events

Tuesday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m.. Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Art class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.

Wednesday 8 a.m., Yoga. 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 10 a.m., Macular Degeneration. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Stitching Bees. 1 p.m., Open chess. 5 p.m., Yoga.

Thursday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m., Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m. , Bingo. 1 p.m., Art class. 1 p.m., Open chess. 2 p.m., Computer class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.

Friday 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 12:30 p.m., Cards, Bridge.

View original post here:
Mower County Senior Center: Yoga classes aim to bring better balance to life