Yoga - More than the "Aerobics of India"

By Jeanette Pollock

Originating in India over 5000 years ago, yoga is the Sanskrit word for "union". It is a scientific technique for spiritual development. Yoga is a practical aid, a living experience -- not a not a set, rigid thing or religion. It's no longer only for the flower children of the '60s, yoga is now mainstream.

Yoga is much more than sitting in a lotus position and chanting in unison. Yoga is not aerobics, not gymnastic: unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Many people have the misconception that yoga is not really a workout.

Yoga is absolutely advantageous for you, but it won't substitute i.e. weight training. In practice, yoga is an applied science of the mind and body. Yoga is considered by many to be the best health maintenance system in the world.

Now you will wonder if learning yoga is really advantageous: some practitioners state that yoga is the meeting of the mind with the divine. Yoga is a form of body conditioning that places emphasis on strengthening the body and the mind while stimulating the soul. It's a wonderful method for exercising the body and mind. Yoga is the oldest known holistic system of personal development.

Yoga is a wonderful tool for becoming better acquainted with your body, says Jyothi Larson, author of Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby (Bantam, 2002). For example, yoga is one of the best activities you can do when you're pregnant: it's gentle to the body while helping you build endurance and flexibility.

What is the difference between meditation and yoga? Meditation is one of the five principles of yoga. For the hindu god Shiva, meditation is a favorite way to pass the time.

How many times a week should I practice yoga? Practice at least 15 minutes a day, for 5 days a week. Discover for yourself why yoga is thought of as a total body healing system.

Can I practice yoga with an injury or medical condition? Anyone can practice yoga, regardless of age, ability or level of health!

How is pilates connected to yoga? The concept of the pilates exercise systems has really taken off in the last few years. Pilates and yoga movements are uniquely combined to create a powerful, yet relaxing workout promoting strength, body awareness, flexibility, and focus. Pilates is followed by restorative yoga, an inwardly directed class meant to restore, revive, and revitalize. People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture and they are less prone to injury.

Yoga is definitely more than just the "aerobics of India". For many Hindus, yoga is a way of life. Most everyone in India knows that yoga is beneficial for the health in many different ways. Yoga is extremely powerful stuff. If yoga is the key to a longer life then I'm all for it!
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justyogabasics.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about yoga.

Become a Yoga Teacher

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Attleboro Yoga Classes - November Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our November / December - Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:
These Yoga class changes will take effect on Monday, November 6, 2006.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Aura Wellness Center21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd FloorAttleboro, MA 02703Phone: 508-222-0092

Where exactly is that? We are located in downtown Attleboro on the corner of Park Street and Railroad Avenue. 21 Park Street is the Park Place Building.

Webster Bank is across Railroad Avenue and Sovereign Bank is across Park Street from us.
Grand Opening Specials:

6 Classes for $57

Or

10 Classes for $87

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Become a Yoga Instructor

Our training is up to Yoga Alliance standards. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the Yoga Alliance RYT credential.

The January 2007 Yoga teacher training session is just three months away. Make your reservations now and save, with an "early bird" discount.

Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

Yoga classes are ongoing. If you are interested in Gentle Restorative Yoga or Vigorous Vinyasa Yoga, we have space available for you.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule, in Attleboro, visit:
http://www.riyoga.com/

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