Bette Calman 83
Modern yoga, a mind, body and spirit practice, incorporates a variety of disciplines and poses which have evolved over centuries. In many places ( in the US and the world) yoga is considered a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, the word yoga means to join, to unite or to attach. No matter which school of yoga you follow or style of yoga you practice, the popularity of Yoga is off the er…mat. A study in the fall of 2010 found more robust growth in yoga than in over 50 sports from 2001- 2010. And the benefits are nothing short of miraculous. According to Web MD, yoga improves posture, builds strength, lowers stress, improves concentration and mood, lowers blood pressure and relieves chronic pain – and that’s about half of the list!
Yoga can be a soothing, relaxing, work-at-your own pace exercise, and/or it can also be serious, sweaty, strenuous exercise. In Bikram Yoga aka “hot yoga” the room is heated to @%$^#$! degrees to facilitate stretching and detoxing. “Power Yoga” ups the aerobic ante by elevating the level and pace. And then there’s a stream of inventive “extreme” new entries like “mobile yoga” combining in-line skating and yoga. You can find your bliss by sitting in a chair and breathing into your spine or dangling off the side a cliff and everything in-between, but don’t let the diversity deter you. Start where you are.
We are happy to report that yoga is flourishing in Orlando. There are dedicated yoga studios and stand- alone yoga classes all over O-town. As with any other pursuit, we encourage you to experiment and find a style of yoga that suits your goals, your level of fitness, your schedule and your budget. And as always, it’s advisable to seek medical advice first if you have injuries or conditions such as high blood pressure that could be affected by physical exercise. That being said – grab a mat and jump in! If you have found your “place” let your friends know — post it on Facebook and/or Twitter. If you’re looking for classes, workshops or retreats, ask for referrals from friends and co-workers –(we love Shine On Yoga) call or visit local studios and talk to owners or instructors to find a good match. Googling “yoga Orlando” we stopped at page 49 of listings….OMG (om my god) – yoga is rocking in Orlando!