Origins of Yoga: Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and its health benefits are only now becoming known worldwide and by the general public. Yoga has been put to the test with extreme challenges such as major shifts in climate and tectonic plates, which nearly wiped out a civilization.

Through the practice of yoga, the Indus-Sarasvati civilization managed to survive in extreme conditions and carried on this style of life for over 30 generations before their second urbanization in the Ganges. Since, Yoga has grown and has been recognized and regarded as a healthy way of life.

Through Yoga practice, there have been many proven health benefits that strengthen one's mind, body and soul. A few of the many different advantages yoga has towards better health and well being are controlled breathing, improved strength, flexibility and coordination as well as being a preventative practice which helps to aid many common ailments.

What is Hatha Yoga? Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water, following the same concept of Yin-Yang), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment. Classes will be focused on the importance of breath control (pranayama) and how it connects the mind and body through the practice of yoga postures. With controlled breathing and visualization, you will be able to relax into the postures, allowing your mind to be in the moment and free from stress (meditation). There will be focus on chakras and how they relate to the body through the physical practice of postures as well.

What are the Benefits? Improved flexibility, Balance, Strength, Posture, Breathing, Circulation, Relaxation, Reduced Stress, Improved Body Awareness.