Yoga HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERY BODY by Jen Groundwater
HERE’S A QUICK MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUIZ FOR YOU. ONE QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOGA?
top left Symbol for Om or Aum, a mantra often used as a yogic chant at the beginning of a session to calm the mind, and create a peaceful setting.
A It’s too hard unless you’re young and flexible. If I tried it, I’d probably pull a hamstring.
D Love it! Every time I do it, I feel better afterward. But I don’t really have a serious practice.
B Totally overrated. I went to a class one time, but I was so bored! Never again!
E Please don’t distract me – I’m working on my one-legged crow pose. Namaste.
C I know it involves strange poses and maybe some chanting. I’d feel silly.
IF YOU ANSWERED A), B), OR C), IT MIGHT BE TIME TO OPEN UP YOUR MIND AND GIVE YOGA ANOTHER TRY.
flexibility. Doing yoga regularly has been shown in real, scientific studies to help And here’s the thing: yoga is for people manage stress, feel more relaxed, everybody. And every body. Yes, even you sleep better, and feel more cheerful. and your body. Right? This stuff is GOOD for you. And Let’s do a little yogic myth-busting. it doesn’t have to be hard—every yoga teacher worth their salt will tell you this. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE YOUNG & FLEXIBLE. Do your best to follow their instructions, If your muscles are tight and you can’t even but listen to your body and don’t push see your toes, let alone reach them, you yourself. If a certain posture feels painful can still do yoga. In fact, you NEED to do or impossible, it’s okay just to lie on your yoga! Becoming more flexible is one of the mat and rest. You can try again another main reasons people take up the practice. day. Improving your physical flexibility helps As far as yoga being only for young you participate more fully in your other people: Come on now, that’s not a very sports and activities—and in your life in Fairwinds attitude! I asked Miranda general. Greening, who teaches yoga at the Other physical benefits of yoga include Fairwinds Wellness Club, “Can someone better balance, reduced pain (it’s even be too old for yoga?” and her answer was a been shown to help with osteoarthritis), resounding, “NO! The whole reason I got increased strength and a healthier heart. into yoga was I knew it was something I The practice also increases your mental would do and enjoy for the rest of my life.” WINTER’S COMING IN—IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO SWITCH TO INDOOR EXERCISE.
18 PASSIONS | FALL 2021
