Yoga for Healthy Living

Yoga means union, union between
body and mind, connection
between breath and movement,
connection between all of us … and
the divine universe. Yoga is one
of the ancient systems of Indian
philosophy. Literally in Sanskrit,
the language of the yoga tradition,
yoga means union.
Yoga works its magic by bringing
body and mind into a state of
harmony and balance. People come
to yoga for different reasons, some
to improve health, others to manage
stress. In reality, yoga is both preventive
and therapeutic.
Yoga is one of the very few exercises
that offer benefits for your
body and mind. To begin with, yoga
offers a lot of physical benefits as it
strengthens, tones and builds muscles,
increases flexibility, stimulates
the endocrine system, improves digestion,
increases circulation, relaxes
the nervous system, improves
immune response, decreases cholesterol
and blood sugar levels, invites
balance and grace, increases
body awareness, encourages weight
loss, prevents aging, and energizes
the body.
Also, yoga has been shown to
offer the following mental benefits
or mind benefits: relieves chronic
stress patterns, quiets the mind,
centers attention, sharpens concentration
and frees the mind. In addition,
yoga helps overcome addictions
such as nicotine, alcohol and
even eating disorders. Therefore,
yoga is not a panacea, but supports
the mind-body connection to health
and well-being.
Although there are many styles
of yoga, such as Kripalu, Bikram,
Kundalini, Iyengar and Ashtanga;
the basic Asanas (yoga postures)
and Pranayama (breathing practices)
remain the same. How they are
done, in what order and where attention
is focused while practicing
them represent the main difference
between the yoga schools.
Anniston Yoga Center has a temporary
home at the Kilby House in Anniston (1301 Woodstock Ave). Yoga classes
are based on Kripalu tradition although
it has influence from other
traditions such as Ashtanga and Iyengar
Yoga.
Yoga Instructor, Mariya Bullock
is a registered teacher with Yoga
Alliance, the national education
and support organization for yoga
in the U.S. We are offering a variety of
classes, indoor and outdoor. For instance,
Vinyasa flow, Kripalu Yoga
[gentle class], Morning Sun Salutation
which is outdoor practice at
6am, Chair Yoga for seniors, Yoga
for Kids, and Peaceful Weight Loss
will be coming soon.
We are concentrating on
modifications and variations of postures
to meet individual needs. Our
goal is to have Asana (postures)
as tools to release chronic tension,
stretch and strengthen the body and
influence self awareness.
To find out more information
about Anniston Yoga Center and the
classes we offer, visit www.yogaannistonalabama.
com or www.annistonyogacentetr.com .