As one who is a fan of yoga and practices it regularly, I was shocked to find out about a man in Portland offering "Star Wars" yoga. My first thought was, really? This sounded ridiculous. In fact, the classes originally did start as a joke. Once I began to ponder it more, my opinion began to change. I am not a "Star Wars" fan, so it took me a while to disconnect the two and have an open mind.

If it gets people practicing yoga, why not?

If "Star Wars" yoga gets people involved and into the practice I am all for it. Call it whatever you want, it is still yoga. I think I would prefer "Twilight" yoga in the dark, but I am a a fan of this movie. For those who cannot get enough "Star Wars" this could be a great way to get more people, especially men, learning the practice of yoga. Bryan Miller is offering 90-minute Yoda inspired yoga classes to men. Sorry women, if you want to participate in "Star Wars" yoga, you may need to head up your own classes.

Yoda's beliefs are similar to that of yoga

As Miller states, "Yoda fits so well into this mind-body connection," and he is absolutely correct. Yoda believes in meditation, and much of yoga focuses on just that. Yoda is known for saying, "Control, control, you must learn control!" This also rings true in the practice of yoga. Much power, flexibility and control is needed to perform poses.

Poses with new names are exciting

"Star Wars" inspired yoga poses are new and exciting. Who wouldn't want to try the Princess Leia pose or breath like Dark Vader? It is fun to be told to use your hands like the ton-ton's and perform Upward Facing Wookiee and Downward Speeder Bike rather than Upward and Downward-Facing Dog. Yoga with Yoda allows one to escape to another world while participating in yoga.

Would you give Yoda Yoga a try? I would give any form of yoga a try at least once. You never know what you like until you give it a try. I believe that keeping an open mind is important. Why not let the force help beat obesity, diabetes and suicide? This is exactly the intention of Bart Spike, Executive Director of Manifest, the group that is sponsoring Yoga with Yoda.

May the force of yoga and "Star Wars" be with you.

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Fan Reaction: Really, 'Star Wars' Yoga?