I’m on a running team, and I noticed some of my expert teammates who run half, and full marathons could not bend forward and touch their toes. Some can barely reach their knees. While running is a fantastic, fun exercise for some, this will not look or feel very good when you get older. Flexibility is key to the sustainability of our bodies.

I have been practicing Yoga since my divorce in 2011, and it’s part of my life. It’s not a trendy fitness routine or hippy exercise. Yoga is a practice that connects the mind, body, and soul and keeps you healthy, vibrant, and upright throughout your life. It teaches you how to cool down when you are feeling heated. Regular yoga practice can benefit the following conditions: anxiety and depression, arthritis and fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, body pains, balance, emotional health, menopause, fatigue, mindfulness, multiple sclerosis, weight loss, sleep, and stress management. It also feels great just to sit quietly, take deep breaths, and reconnect to the present moment.

There are many reasons to have a regular yoga practice. It’s literally good for everyone.

YOGA IS FOR EVERY BODY

I encourage all shapes, sizes, sexes, creeds, nationalities, and ages to try yoga. There are many styles to try, but here are a few common ones to start with:

Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga is the grandfather of yoga. It has six levels with a series of fixed postures. It is breath-to-movement with long holds in between. It is an intense practice with poses that you can only shake your head at but with practice, you too will be able to twist into a pretzel and stand on one hand.

*This looks easier than it is; look closely and try it! ⬇️

Hatha & Yin yoga: Both are similar, using postures from Astanga, the teachers create a slow flow class that involves breath awareness, longer holds in the poses, and relaxation meditation.

Vinyasa: This style takes the poses and breath to movement techniques from Astanga. It is a flow class that moves from one yoga pose to the next without long holds. If you like cardio exercises and breaking a sweat you might like vinyasa.

Bikram yoga: Vinyasa flow with heat and humidity added to the room. If you want to be drenched in sweat and to go deep into your muscles to eliminate toxins, Bikram might be for you. It’s hot. 🥵

Restorative yoga: This is not a flow class. It’s a series of postures meant specifically for relaxation and body restoration. It feels amazing when your body is jacked up from a hard workout or a late day.

Prenatal Yoga: It’s Astanga, vinyasa flow, yin, and restorative. It’s a mix of everything with the consciousness of human life growing inside your body. The poses are adapted for comfort and safety.

Kundalini Yoga: This practice involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetitive poses. The idea is that you are activating your shakti or spiritual energy that is based at the base of your spine. From my experience, this is the most powerful form. Try it!

Yoga is for everyone. Zero fitness experience is needed, and there is a style for everyone. Just do it! Start today. Make a 30-day commitment to doing yoga every day for 30 days straight. Start with beginner classes, try all the above styles, and find your own. Check out Gaia and youtube for guided online classes. And go to your local studios. Try them all and choose your favorite.

LOCAL EVENTS: Every Thursday from 7:30-9 pm, we host a Back to Basics Yoga class combining Vinyasa and Hatha styles. And we also host a once-a-month Yoga for Runners at The Green Maya Project in Merida, Mexico. If you are in the area and would like to join us, email us here, and we’ll send you all the information.

Are you looking for a vacation that includes a daily yoga class? YOU FOUND US!

Check out our Reconnect Retreats and save your spot.

Message us here to design a custom yoga/retreat experience for you and your group.

Many Blessings, Sara Renshaw @ The Green Maya Project

P.S. Nature heals. Get some today.

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