Yoga is….
The practice of yoga has been around for over 5,000 years. The word Yoga means “to join or yoke together,” and it does so by connecting body with breath, mind and body, breath with movement and by connecting one yogi with another , and all yogis with their community. This connection with the self and with something greater than the self is what makes yoga different from other forms of exercise. Contrary to popular belief, yoga is more than just a practice of stretches and exercises. Yoga is also a practice that touches all aspects of one’s health including all physical body systems, as well as emotional, mental and spiritual well being. Many people practicing find that yoga begins to affect other aspects of their life besides new found physical strength and ease of movement. Yoga students may begin to find new found strength and ease of movement in situations off of their mat, in their personal lives. Through the practice of yoga, many people discover greater awareness within their own bodies and in turn develop a stronger connection with all beings. From a physical standpoint, a regular yoga practice has been proven to reduce stress and boost emotional well-being, increase strength & flexibility, restore joint movement and decrease pain, improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance vitality and energy level, and manage body weight.
Yoga at Select Health and Wellness is….
There are many different asana (physical poses) to meet the many different physical needs of students, and just as many styles of yoga. Here at Select, we have created our own brand of yoga. Our instructors have backgrounds in exercise physiology and physical therapy, and stress the importance of alignment and safe practice. Select Health and Wellness Members attend classes prescribed to them by our Doctors and can expect classes tailored to their unique posture and physical needs, given by instructors with a full understanding of their limitations and concerns.
Who benefits from yoga?
To put it simply, EVERYONE benefits from yoga. Whether you desire greater flexibility, stronger muscles and bones, lasting endurance, or peace of mind, all can be found in yoga. Yoga asana is a great method for helping people get into shape and stay in shape. There is always somewhere to progress in the practice! Beginner and renaissance yoga classes can be utilized by those recovering from an injury or suffering from chronic illness, where vinyasa classes are more challenging and advanced for those yogis ready for a greater challenge.
What if I am not flexible enough for yoga or have chronic pain?
That is one important reason to practice yoga! Many tight bodies have found healing in yoga classes. Athletes to the least active and everyone in between need to maintain adequate flexibility to maintain optimal health. For those with perpetually tight shoulders, or chronic neck pain our Upper Body Renaissance Class is a great place to start!
Is yoga a religion?
No, yoga is not a religion. Many people find spiritual healing through their yoga practice but no specific form of worship is carried out during a yoga class. Yoga can mean many different things to people. Some come to yoga solely for the physical practice, while others prefer to divulge deeper into the philosophy behind yoga. The bottom line is that a student should never feel pressured to explore a side of yoga that is outside of their comfort level.
Isn’t yoga just for women or smaller-framed men?
Quite the contrary! In fact, Dr. Fritz, Select Health and Wellness’ clinic director is a larger-framed former collegiate football player. Almost 30% of yogis in America are men, and they find their ways to yoga classes for a variety of reasons. Men with greater flexibility, better range of motion, and reduced stress tend to perform better in other activities such as contact sports, running, golfing, tennis and weight training. In fact, anyone who has taken a hot yoga class or strong vinyasa flow is well aware of the physical fitness required in yoga. Come discover the benefits of yoga for yourself...and yes that was a challenge to all you “tough guys" out there!
I have seen pictures of people doing yoga, and there is no way I could ever balance on my head!
Many people think that yoga classes are filled with ex ballerinas and gymnasts who don’t think twice about touching their toes or standing on their heads. While there are indeed ballerinas and gymnasts who practice yoga, there are people from all other backgrounds and fitness levels as well. Why? Because one does not have to stand on his or her head or do splits to reap the benefits of yoga. Do not be intimidated by the practice, because the practice can easily be tailored to fit all needs.
I already work out, why should I practice yoga?
Yoga is a great complementary practice to other forms of exercise. Yoga offers students greater flexibility, better mental clarity, a chance to heal sore muscles and injuries, reduce stress, and improve sleep.
Yoga Etiquette
There are a few basic courtesies that Select Health and Wellness asks of all who step through our doors for yoga classes.