This occasional series explores summer fitness opportunities in the St. Louis area.

The yoga mats are spread out carefully. Shoes and socks lie alongside. Participants inhale, then let their breath out simultaneously, emitting a soft hum.

Fold forward, says instructor Sat Inder Singh Khalsa. Breathe into the movement.

Khalsa is dressed in flip flops and a tank top, which reveals a tattoo on his right shoulder. He is wearing oversized rings on several of his fingers.

And hes miked up.

He needs help projecting his voice because almost 250 people are participating in the class. The light buzz of commerce from the neighboring Tower Grove Farmers Market hangs over the group, which includes at least five dogs and a baby napping in a pumpkin seat.

But everyone is concentrated on yoga on this breezy, overcast morning.

Khalsa leads the class through the asanas, or poses, that comprise ashtanga yoga.

Ashtanga is a more vigorous type of yoga, with a set sequence of postures, one leading into the next.

Three women, all wearing fitted black capris and using pink mats, lower themselves into a plank position, holding their core muscles tight and then pushing up on their arms into an upward dog pose. Then they push up farther, straightening their legs and backs, and transform into the triangle shape of a downward-facing dog.

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Yoga class gets flexible with its St. Louis surroundings

ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA The practice of yoga began in India more than 2,500 years ago. It was introduced to the West about a century ago, and has become increasingly popular. For some it is an exercise, for others it is also a spiritual practice.

While people of all ages attend yoga classes in the U.S., the instructors are usually adults. But one young yogi in Southern California is breaking the mold.

I just love yoga so much, just loved how it made me feel, said Jaysea DeVoe, who discovered yoga when she was eight years old and fell in love.

She loved it so much that this year, at the age of 12, she decided to teach it.

"Im the youngest certified female yoga instructor in the U.S.," she said.

DeVoe teaches yoga every Tuesday. Her entire family, including twin brother Fisher, try to attend her classes when there is room.

Ive been to every one except one because I wasnt here. I think its awesome [be]cause just like...a kid teaching yoga like... by kids for kids kind of thing," she said. "I think its [awesome].

I think its fun because its really fun to do Yoga with friends and family," said Eli Park, 8, one of DeVoes younger students.

Thats really inspiring for somebody who's been doing yoga for a long time to meet a 12-year-old girl who not only does yoga but teaches yoga," said student Rachel Williams.

"It was a really nice flow, really nice balance, really good energy in the class and I loved that she consistently told us to smile," she said. "I think thats important because often it becomes super-serious and not very playful so it was really nice.

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Unconventional Yoga Instructor Teaches Adults, Children

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

By Pagosa Springs SUN Yoga. 10-11:30 a.m., community center. Free. Follow these topics:

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All events for Yoga

If these photos of celebrities doing yoga do not inspire you to sign up for a class, we don't know what will!

There's a growing trend of models and actors showing off their toned bods in impossible-to-achieve yoga poses.

While purists may cringe and call this yoga porn, the fact is that it is more popular than you can imagine.

Does it help spread awareness about yoga?

Or is it just a passing fad?

But if these incredible images of celebs doing yoga do not inspire you to sign up for that yoga class, we really don't know what will.

PS: Don't try any of these poses without proper guidance.

ALSO SEE Simple yoga poses for beginners

We start with supermodel Candice Swanepoel striking the pigeon pose or the Eka Pada Rajakapotasana.

Do you practice yoga too? Share your #Yoga-Pics here!

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10 photos of celebs doing yoga to kickstart your day