For many, the word “Yoga” elicits vision of turban shrouded swamis in loose white garb, chanting and striking poses beyond normal human flexibility. However, that stereotype is almost as old as Yoga itself. Today, Yoga is a mainstream practice, crossing boundaries of countries, ages, social statuses and health concerns. And you can find it right here in Mint Hill.
It is estimated that Yoga began over 2,000 years ago in India as a means to quiet the mind to get ready for meditation. Still today that is one of Yoga’s benefits: to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, and even to treat PTSD. According to Bettie Shae of Mint Hill Yoga, “Before and after MRI’s show that Yoga changes the shape of the brain. The part of the brain that produces fear and anxiety has shrunk.”
Rhonda Walker, Yoga instructor at Tone Your Temple, cited many other benefits of Yoga.
“Yoga can lower your blood pressure, increase your strength and flexibility, increase bone density, and develop better balance.” Rhonda also promotes techniques for deep inhalation as a stress reducer, and feels that the music played during the class adds to the feeling of peace.
Although weight loss is not the goal of Yoga, it can sometimes be a byproduct. Dave Neidert of Mint Hill, who has been taking Yoga classes for “a few months” is proud to say he has taken his belt in two notches because of the toning effect of Yoga. And because Yoga can increase stamina, he is now able to play more racquetball.
Sarah Volkhauser, Yoga instructor who teaches a class at The Hill on Monday evenings, is adamant that there is no competition in Yoga. “I emphasize self-acceptance, that you don’t need to strive for perfection. I believe that if you can learn to be compassionate to yourself, it will increase your compassion for other people.”
There are several styles of Yoga, including one that concentrates mostly on breathing, another that focuses on a sequential flow of poses, and yet another that has more to do with stretching, flexibility, and athleticism. The newest trend in Yoga is called “Hot Yoga” in which the studio is kept at 85 to 100 degrees, and touts detoxing as one of the benefits.
Yoga is truly for everyone. There is no age limit or lack of endurance that would preclude anyone from practicing the poses. Some elementary and high schools have added Yoga to their physical education curriculum. Senior citizens love the therapeutic benefits, and for those unable to stand, there is “chair Yoga”. Pregnant? There is prenatal Yoga, and when that baby is born–guess what?–there is Yoga for babies and toddlers!
Ready to give it a try? Choose a class near you from the list below. You don’t need any special equipment; that is normally provided by the studio. However, you may want to take a bottle of water and a towel. Dress code: very casual. A tee shirt and elastic waist pants is the most common attire. See if you can enlist a friend–you’re more likely to stick with it if you have someone to hold you accountable. And then, as Nike says, just do it!
Here are the places for Yoga classes in Mint Hill:
Sarah Volkhauser has a class every Monday evening 6:00 pm at The Hill Bar and Grill, 11232 Lawyers Road. Visit her Facebook page Sarah’s Yoga at The Hill Bar and Grill to send her a message. Her 1hour and 15 minute class is $5.
Mint Hill Yoga, 7714 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Suite E offers both day and evening classes. Drop in charge is $12, or buy a 5-class package for $50. Call 704-835-0894 for class schedule.
Tone Your Temple, 11205 Lawyers Rd, Suite D, also has both day and evening classes in Yoga and PiYo, a combination of Pilates and Yoga. A 6-class package is $75. Call 980-253-2922 for class schedule.
Namaste!
