Other benefits include:
• Increased flexibility by moving the body into poses that stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• Increased muscle strength and tone from holding static poses.
• Improved respiration, energy and vitality through controlled breathing and focusing on body awareness.
• Improved digestion from the various rotational poses massaging the digestive organs and helping to move the food.
• Weight regulation due to the mindfulness and body awareness that is learned.
• Boosts immunity at the cellular level through changes in gene expression.
• Reduces stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By reducing excess cortisol, thyroid function improves, blood pressure decreases, immunity improves, and inflammatory responses are reduced.
Because there are so many different kinds of yoga practices, it is possible for anyone to start. “Whether you’re a couch potato or a professional athlete, size and fitness levels do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose and beginner classes in every style,” says Dr. Nevins. “The idea is to explore your limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection.”
If you are ready to try a class, you are in luck! Yoga is continuing on a regular basis at the Canton Fitness Center with Corrin Rockwell. She is doing an ALL LEVELS class on Wednesdays at 5:45 PM. Classes are $10 per session for non-gym members and $8 per session for gym members. The special that is valid through the end of the year is buy 7 classes and get 1 FREE. For more information call 570-673-5813.