JULY 2014 SUNRAYS | 33
ONLINE:
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W
hy practice yoga? To improve
balance—everyone needs that,
especially as we get older—to
improve posture and straighten up; to
improve flexibility (although those un-
used muscles can hurt when we call on
them). It may even help achieve inner
peace. These examples are just a few of
the benefits of Beginners Yoga.
I attended a session in earlyMay and was
surprised that most of the 10 students had
only participated in one previous session
the week before—they seemed to really
enjoy it! Instead of news playing in the
background of the gym (Note: seeking
inner peace here), there was gentle flute
music and soft lighting. There was no
sound of weights being dropped, of horrible,
painful grunts, of cellphones ringing, or
of clanging equipment. Let’s just say yoga
seemed to be an exercise oasis.
The session began with the admonition
to get rid of what bothers you and
cultivate your sense of well-being. Then,
we were instructed to reach up and
draw energy from the universe and let
it flow through our fingertips. Exhale—
Release—Relax—Let go.
The instructor, Rhonda McCollough,
aims to teach alignment and breathing
techniques, helping participants to find
their center. The most important part
of the class is learning how to breathe
and drawing a cleansing breath into the
body. Know this: yoga can be adapted to
personal limitations—no need to be a
contortionist in order to apply!
The class ended with a calm-down
period in which we prepared for sleep,
for healthful rest. Soft music played,
bringing peace and calm—who couldn’t
use a bit of that?
Photo by Burton Anes
Let go with
Beginners Yoga
By Mike Gullickson
Beginners Yoga
Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Cowan Creek Fitness Center
5 classes in July for $20
Try Beginners Yoga to learn the
basic principles and postures of
yoga to begin creating your own
personal yoga practice in a safe,
strengthening and relaxing way.
Questions?
For more information about se-
ries classes or other group fitness
classes, email Whitney Alexander
at
or call 512-948-7753.
