FITNESS TIP:

What Is Yoga, and
Why Should You Try It?

If you’ve never tried Yoga, you might wonder what these people are doing on their mats? Are they just stretching? Trying to find enlightenment? Is chanting involved?

Instructor Rebecca Levine says that Yoga is a practice that started in India thousands of years ago, and today you can choose from several different styles (and, no, chanting isn’t necessary). Two styles that have become more popular in America are also taught at the Rec-Plex. They’re called “hatha” style and “vinyasa.” Hatha is great for beginners because it teaches you “asanas” (poses) in a slower pace. Vinyasa, also known as power yoga, moves from pose to pose in a faster pace with a choreography of flowing movements.

If you’re interested in trying Yoga, start with hatha style. And, if you want more of a challenge, move up to vinyasa.

Why try Yoga at all? Rebecca says that the different styles of Yoga have their own challenges, but that they all work to improve your strength, flexibility and coordination. The poses in Yoga, when done correctly, can stretch and strengthen muscles throughout your body. The result can be invigorating, and Yogis like Rebecca would tell you vital for overall health.

Check out the Leisure Line Online fitness pages to learn more about Yoga classes at the Rec-Plex.

Rebecca Levine is dietician for the St. Peters Rec-Plex, and also works as a certified personal trainer and leads Yoga and RPX Cycling classes at the Rec-Plex. Rebecca also has a private nutrition consulting practice, and she’s a professor at Lindenwood University and St. Charles Community College, teaching nutrition and health classes.