Strong, deep breathing and fluid movements that improve strength, flexibility and stamina. That’s Kundalini yoga in a nutshell, but there’s much more to Kundalini yoga than just the physical postures. A typical Kundalini yoga class includes a series of vigorous postures interspersed with breathing and recovery exercises and concludes with deep relaxation exercises—all of which combine to provide students an opportunity to evaluate and improve their overall health and fitness.

Every Kundalini yoga class begins and ends with focused breathing exercises and the breath is the primary focus throughout class. Unlike many styles of yoga in which practitioners hold stationary postures, most of the postures in Kundalini yoga involve movement. Each moving posture focuses on a different area, different joints, different muscles. At all times students have the option to perform movements at whatever pace they find comfortable—from very slowly with an emphasis on grace, to rapidly and vigorously with an emphasis on power. Because any posture can be done at any pace, a Kundalini yoga class can accommodate students of all fitness levels and is equally challenging for students who are just getting started on a fitness program and those who have already achieved a high level of fitness.

The physical portion of class consists of several dozen postures. Some are primarily strength-building; others increase flexibility. Some postures are done quite vigorously for several minutes and provide opportunities to test and build stamina. Many postures focus on core areas: particularly the spine, hips, and shoulders. All postures are accompanied by a deep, powerful, rhythmic breath. Students are encouraged to strive for an overall balance of strength and flexibility that’s appropriate for their lifestyle and the way they use their bodies.

The repetition of simple movements slowly builds an internal heat and raises the heart rate. As the body warms up, movements become easier, more fluid. As class progresses, students have the opportunity to challenge themselves at increasingly higher levels, if that’s what they’re seeking in their workout. During the last phase of class, students get a chance to balance the physical workout with meditative breathing and deep relaxation. (Note: If you’ve never relaxed to the soothing sound of a large gong, you owe it to yourself to give it a try.)

If you’re looking to add a breath of fresh air to your workout routine, drop into a Kundalini yoga class. At the very least, you’ll get a good, full-body workout. You may even be inspired to come back for more.

Try Kundalini Yoga - Thursday's at 6:00pm and Saturday's at 11:00am

No Matter What You Do, Yoga’s for You…
By Kacey Kingry, Group Exercise Coordinator

In today’s crazy world of work, family and fitness we strive to balance everything that is important to us in a way that we can be successful and excel in all areas of life. In the world of health and fitness, we have all sorts of goals ranging from events as extreme as figure competitions, triathlons and Iron Man competitions, to goals that involve keeping up with children and grandchildren as we age. No matter what your goals are, yoga is an activity your body, mind, and spirit can all benefit from.

Let’s face it, most of us could use some time to quiet our minds and bodies and take a respite from the day to day worries of our lives. Taken from Eastern traditions and practices, yoga has proven to be a practice that combines physical challenge, mental focus and emotional and spiritual well-being. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and many other conditions and diseases.

Traditionally, those who regularly engage in activities such as cycling, weight lifting and high impact aerobics suffer from chronically tight hips, shoulders and lower backs. Yoga specifically stretches and strengthens these areas, contributing to increased athletic ability and a lowered risk of injury to the athlete.

Whether you are looking to shave seconds off your mile time, more efficiently climb from the saddle or keep up with your kiddos, a regular yoga practice might be something for you to consider. Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club regularly offers programs like “Yoga for the Complete Novice” to help you get started with your yoga practice. GATC also offers 20 complimentary yoga classes per week including heated Thermal and Power Yoga, Classical Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Take a shot and try something new – your body just might thank you for it.