1. Body in Mind
Yoga

2. What is yoga?
Ancient philosophy that began in India approximately 5000 years ago.
Yoga means to “unite” or “yoke”
The ultimate goal is to unite the mind, body and spirit.
It is a system of tools. These tools include physical poses, breath work and meditation.
How we bring these tools together is what makes each class unique.

3. Yoga as Exercise
Postures performed with attention to alignment and breathing
Non-impact exercise
Body is actively stretched through eccentric muscular contraction (actively lengthening)
Increases overall mobility and agility by increasing joint range of motion and muscle length or flexibility

4. Types of yoga
Hatha Yoga-any type of yoga that teaches the physical postures.
Bikram-developed by Bikram Choudhury. Classes are held in artificially heated rooms and involve 26 poses in the same sequence
Ashtanga-popularized and brought to the west by Pattabhi Jois in the 1970’s. Series of specific postures performed in the same order linking movement to breath
Vinyasa-meaning “flow”. These classes are fluid, and movement intensive. No two classes are the usually the same.
Restorative-relaxing and soothing classes with passive poses so body can benefit without having to exert any effort.

5. Benefits of yoga Flexibility Strengthens muscle Improves bone density
Improves posture
Quiets the mind
Focuses energy
Encourages positive thoughts and self acceptance
Relieves pain
Balances metabolism and reduces weight
Promotes cardiovascular, circulatory and digestive health
Elicits relaxation response (activates parasympathetic nervous system)
Prevents “dis-ease” keeping physical systems open and energized

6. terminology
Namaste- “bow me you” or “I bow to you”. Often done both at the beginning and end of the class. A symbol of gratitude and respect by the teacher toward his/her students.
Asanas-postures of poses strung together in a specific sequence or series. Asanas have both Sanskrit and English names and properties of being either steady (stihra) or soft (sukha). There are said to be 840,000 asanas for accessing the full potential of human movement
Chakras-energy centers within the body.. There are 7 major chakras located along or just in front of the spine
Sanskrit-the classical language of India. Today it is used mainly in Hindu religious rituals as a ceremonial language for hymns and mantras
Prana-the life energy that sustains the body and earth. This energy is primarily absorbed by the breathing of air but also in the food we ea and the water we drink.

7. chakras

8. Yogafit training Founder is Beth Shaw
“Yoga is for EVERY body and EVERYBODY”
Part of the hatha yoga tradition Ha=sun, Tha=moon. Balance of opposites
Vinyasa style sequences poses together to create strength, flexibility, endurance and balance

9. Body alignment in yoga (YOGAFIT’s 7 Principles of alignment (spa))
Establishing base and dynamic tension
Creating core stability
Aligning the spine
Softening and aligning the knees
Relaxing shoulders back and down
Hinging at the hips
Shortening lever length

10. Things to remember during yoga
Stay in the present moment
Listen to the body
Let go of judgement
Let go of competition
Let go of expectations
Breath
Enjoy