Monday, July 31, 2006

Yoga Questions You've Been Waiting to Ask
Discover yoga with a midday class at the downtown clubhouse
Yoga is an intense workout that can add years to your life, strengthen muscles, relieve stress and improve flexibility. Whether you want to try it for the first time or are a yoga class regular, check out downtown's eight-week lunch hour yoga session, back for the fall. The noon class can easily be squeezed into any busy businessperson's schedule and can help relieve Monday morning tension.

Find out what the yoga buzz is really all about, and try it yourself. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 28, and will run from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday (Class will not be held on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4). Space is limited, so sign up to ensure your spot today. For only $50, you'll take important steps toward sustaining quality of life, preventing injuries and burning calories. To sign up or for more information, please call Rick Schneider at 314-539-4434.

Before signing up, answer some of your basic yoga questions here:
what is yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind. Yoga works to connect the body and mind. It's a very physical workout that combines stretches, breathing techniques, balancing and strength training into a well-rounded, challenging routine. At the same time, yoga soothes the mind with its focus on concentration. It can have a very calming effect and provides a perfect midday break for a busy businessperson.
who's it for?
Yoga is for everyone. Body builders looking to stretch out their muscles, businessmen looking for ways to relax and athletes recovering from injuries can all benefit from yoga.
what can yoga do for me?
Hunched shoulders and aching backs are signs of built-up stress in the body. Yoga can help improve these symptoms by incorporating breathing, stretching and holding positions into a well-rounded workout. People can gain awareness of where they hold their tension in their bodies. Yoga helps to improve flexibility, tension, overall strength and countless other aspects of one's body and mind. It is one of the best ways to strengthen and lengthen muscles and can be extremely beneficial if done before, after or between cardio workouts. People prone to pulled muscles, sprained ankles and other exercise-related injuries can avoid the pain with Yoga. Often, Yoga's stretches and poses are low-impact and are less likely to cause injuries.

©2006 Missouri Athletic Club
Contact thechef@mac-stl.org for questions and comments.
Visit the M.A.C. Web site for more: www.mac-stl.org