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Personal Training Article's
Name: Ginny Grupp, MS, RYT
Yoga for Every Body
“I would love to try yoga, but I’m not flexible and everyone in class will be better than
me.” “I’m not looking for a new religion.” “Isn’t that a stretching class?” There is some
truth and some myth in all of these statements. These are the common threads that run
through the minds of many potential yogis and yoginis. So, here is a brief explanation of
what yoga is and how you (yes, you) can take that first step into class at any time.
“Yoga” as we practice it here in the western world often (although not always) refers to
the Hatha yoga tradition. What does that mean? Hatha (pronounced ha-ta) is a Sanskrit
word which literally means “physical” or to “force.” Breaking the word down into ha the
masculine and tha the feminine, together we have a balance of opposites. Yoga derives
from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, which means “yoke” or “union”. Hatha yoga, therefore
can be translated to mean the union of opposites through physical practice.
Yoga is not a religion in itself. Some yogic philosophy has been incorporated into
religious traditions, but the practice of yoga is not religion in itself. It is a path to
controlling the mind through movement and breathing. The physical practice of yoga—
what we see in our local gym or studio—is simply a practice developed to prepare the
body for meditation. The use of movement and breath quiets the mind and readies the
muscles so that the mind can be clear and conscious to meditate. Finding a comfortable
position for the physical body while the mind is quiet—perhaps for hours—is not easy.
Yoga practice facilitates meditation.
Yoga is also not just a stretching class. Your flexibility may change with your yoga
practice as you become more fit. In each class we incorporate strength and stability
through movement and breath. Each instructor teaches class in his/her own style. Some
may focus more on strength, some more on flexibility…both are integral to yoga practice.
Who will you find in a class? Surprise! Students range in age from children to elders and
everyone in between. Strength and flexibility vary greatly, too. Some students can do
headstands and move into positions that don’t seem possible to us mere mortals. Others
cannot touch their toes even if they bend their knees. This means there a place in class
for every body. Keep in mind that if you can breathe, you can do yoga.
Beginners and students of all levels are welcome in class. The most important aspect of
yoga is to listen to your body. Some days it will say, “I feel great, let’s try that
backbend.” Other days it will say, “Please take care of me, I don’t feel so well.” The
goal is to be able to hear, interpret and honor all of the messages your body sends you.
Only you can hear them.
Yoga is offered at multiple gyms and studios in Anchorage every day of the week. In
Girdwood yoga can be found at Our Lady of the Snows in the Meadows Community
Room on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7pm. Join us to find your place in
class.
Ginny Grupp holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a 200-hour Registered
Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance.
www.AlaskaFit.com
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