CHOOSE TO YOGA™

If you've been dealing with some health challenges, or have not been exercising or stretching much recently, you can still begin your yoga practice in an easy, enjoyable way!

Yoga does not have to be difficult for it to effectively manage and relieve pain! Find out why today is a good day to start your yoga practice!

The easier "schools" of yoga include: Kripalu Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Integral Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. Please note that Iyengar yoga can be gentle or rigorous depending on your teacher!

Here is a brief list of Yoga Classes to avoid if you're seeking a gentle way to learn Yoga. The classes that are physically rigorous, and thus not ideal for beginners (unless you're a real athlete already) are:

Power Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yoga with Weights, and Bikram Yoga aka Hot Yoga.

The good news is that you can reap the benefits of yoga, whether you take a gentle class or a rigorous class. These benefits include: stretching and strengthening both body & mind, finding your balance in more ways than one, and taking time to breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy life in the present moment.

So, how can you start your Yoga practice? Simply call the Yoga Centers and Health Clubs nearest your home and ask them about the kinds of yoga classes they offer. Ask them if they offer a Yoga Class for Beginners. Most Yoga Centers make a point of doing this!

Then you can follow-up by trying different Yoga teachers and Yoga Classes in your neighborhood and finding at least 2 per week that fit your schedule.

Finally, you can purchase a Yoga DVD, either online or at your local health food store. Please be sure that it includes gentle, easy poses that are good for beginners! This can help you jump start your daily practice at home.

For more information about upcoming easy Yoga DVDs, you are welcome to contact hannahyoga@yahoo.com so that you can be informed when the new DVDs are ready!

Now, just a bit of "Yoga Lingo" for you as you start your own personal Yoga Journey: the word "Namaste!" is often said at the beginning and end of yoga classes. It means, "I salute the light within you!"

May you be peaceful and well! Namaste!