Yes you can and many people do lose weight and increase their strength, endurance, flexibility and will power through yoga's natural body awareness approach that is free of the stressful "dieting" and "gym-workout" mentality. At first the mind focuses on the physical and social aspects of the yoga practice, but for the dedicated practioner it eventually evolves into an experience that has infinite depth. A wonderful natural byproduct of this process is the development of a healthier lifestyle which includes a physically fit, well-toned physique. There are vast differences physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally among all individuals. Chronic and stressful circumstances can create a variety of symptoms, manifesting differently in each of us, thus making it difficult to define a set yoga practice for a particular health condition, even as common as "stress relief:"

Yoga can address these symptoms and the primary health conditiion at any level but not without discipline and practice. Yoga may even point out the very cause, yet if we are unwilling to address it, and not willing to take action, then we are most likely just participating in the gymnastics of breath and posture. As the basics of yoga become more familiar, it is important to respect our unique needs, abilities and potential before attempting to "resolve" our health issues through yoga. As the yoga practitioner becomes more disciplined, perspectives begin to change not only in regards to ones' health but also in regards to the Self ...who you are...who you think you are..who others think you are .....and who You really are!

The condition of your health will evolve with yoga discipline and thus your yoga practice must evolve to keep pace with this dynamic process..Will you discover the fountain of "stress relief " through yoga? Perhaps- but the prescription for stress relief through yoga is not always clear; therefore the approach you use toward that end is what needs to be considered.

Stress relief may come in the form of the calming of the mind with pranayama (breath focus), chanting, asana (postures) or dristhi (eye gaze). When the mind is calm, then more space and time is available between thoughts to give clarity to the thoughts that really matter. It allows the Message of understanding to be revealed in the space between the mind chatter. Your resolution to your stress related health problems might come in the form of making decisions that you may or may not want to address. But the answer is there, your action is all that is needed. The soul always knows what is best, the "Voice of the breath" is clear ..it is always present, it is not a "sometime Friend". . if you don't take action, eventually life circumstances will be such that you will have no other choice.

Begin to practice yoga for its' immediate stress releasing benefits, and later it will reveal the depth of its' infinite lessons, liberation, and humility. Lose fitting clothes that "move" with you, bare feet and a receptive mind and body....we already know the spirit is willing...it's just waiting for the rest of the team. All roads lead to the same place!

However here are some considerations in choosing a class that is right for you: Contact us by email or phone and we will guide you .......

If you have never practiced before and have not done any physical activity, then Therapeutic Yoga/Seniors or Yoga Essentials is for you!!

If you have practiced before but are injured please try Therapeutic Yoga.

If you are a Senior and would like assistance is regaining balance, and range of motion to enable you to participate in activities that you enjoy..then try Senior Yoga!!

If you are an athlete, or physically fit you might consider Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga which is a vigorous advanced style of yoga!

If you're pregnant...try Prenatal Yoga to enhance your pregnancy and prepare you for childbirth.

If you have practiced yoga before and are physically active, then the challenge of Improvisational Yoga is perfect for you. Yoga is non-sectarian and therefore a wonderful adjunct to any religious or spiritual belief. . It can deepen your current understanding through a natural process of opening the mind's perspective. It creates the environment in which healing can occur on many levels...in the tissues, emotions, mind, the spirit, heart and in our inter and intra personal and spiritual relationships. Yoga is a tool through which the experience is delivered. What you do with your personal experience in the yoga practice is entirely up to you ...it is a journey.