2008 Woodie Awards
Yoga could be for you
Kate Lindholm
Issue date: 2/13/06 Section: Sports
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Many tell me they've always wanted to take a yoga class, but for whatever reason haven't. Some are embarrassed of their bodies. Some don't think they're flexible enough. Some think it's only for women.
Even with its increasing popularity, there's still a lot of confusion about what yoga actually is. So let's start with the basics.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning to yoke or join. An art and science based in the ancient philosophies of India, the first systematic treatment of yoga was compiled by Patanjali, a philosopher and grammarian who lived around three centuries before Christ.
The yoga that we are most familiar with in the West is Hatha yoga, a practice that combines conscious breathing, stretching exercises or postures, and quiet contemplation. An important goal of Hatha yoga is the union of body and mind to create a balance between the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of ourselves that will eventually give expression to the true essence of all reality.
There are many styles of Hatha yoga. Iyengar yoga is a more classical style of yoga that uses props, such as straps or blocks, to enable people at various skill levels to get the full benefits of even the more "advanced" postures.
Some varieties - such as Ashtanga (sometimes called "power yoga") and Bikram (sometimes called "hot yoga") - are more physically demanding, providing a vigorous cardiovascular workout as well as strengthening and toning muscles.
By simultaneously stimulating the body and focusing the mind, yoga allows exploration of both the physical and mental obstacles that keep us from reaching our full potential, both in sports and in life.
Ideally, yoga offers us a chance to unwind in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere in the midst of our crazy, fast-paced lives. When I was still in school, yoga was a great way to maintain my sanity - especially during mid-terms and finals.
Though the practice is often rigorous, the overall environment in a good yoga class is one of relaxation and discovery. It should be non-competitive and supportive, respecting and honoring the differences inherent in all of us, while challenging us to gently test and expand our own boundaries. A consistent practice will teach the mind to exist in a state of calm awareness, where life's successes and disappointments can be met with equanimity.
The Fitness and Wellness department at Swinney Recreation Center offers a variety of yoga classes during the year. At only $45 per session for students, that translates to just over $3 per class. (Most studios charge $12-$15 per class)
Classes are divided into two sessions during each semester:
Session I is currently in progress, and offers two different classes on Mondays and Wednesdays: Power yoga from 12:30-1 p.m. and Hatha yoga from 6-7 p.m. Session II runs March 13 to April 27, and will offer even more options for yoga students. For more information, go to http://web1.umkc.edu/src/aerobics.htm or call 235-2712.
Kate Lindholm is a former UMKC student. She has practiced yoga for eight years and currently teaches Iyengar style yoga in a variety of settings.
