| Several years ago when yoga studios first started gaining popularity, many thought it would be another fitness phase. However, yoga has only continued to grow as more and more yogis are recognizing the total mind and body benefits they are receiving from their yoga practice. Yoga Journal’s recent study, “Yoga in America” (yogajournal.com), showed that about 20.4 million Americans practice yoga, compared to 15.8 million from the previous 2008 study, for an increase of 29%…and still growing. There is a reason why so many people love yoga, and why yoga continues to grow as a practice and a business. Yoga offers a type of health and wellness that other physical activity just can’t. | 
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First of all, there are plenty of styles to choose from – whether you want a more restorative class focused on relaxation and stretching, or a physically challenging Power Yoga class to get you sweating and building muscle, or anything in between; There is, without a doubt, a yoga style out there for absolutely everyone.
Second, yoga literally means “union”. It is a practice that unites your body, mind, and spirit. It is a form of meditation – a moving meditation – that allows you to reflect inwards, focus your attention in the present moment, and access your inner peace and power. As your body moves and builds strength, your mind focuses through meditation, allowing you to learn more about yourself, your life, and the world. I know it might sound a little crazy, but it’s true!
Lastly, yoga is based in thousands of years of practice. Yoga is not a new phenomenon. Though the practice was originally just meditation and principles of living, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras, the physical practice that accompanies the meditation and comprises what we now define as “yoga”, has been passed down through thousands of years of gurus, teachers and practitioners. The poses work. They are designed for every human body. As long as you follow proper anatomical alignment, as guided by an instructor, you can take any level of yoga and feel its benefits.
It’s about pushing yourself past physical and mental limits, but it’s not about getting bruises or showing off. It’s about setting your own personal goals, finding truth and learning that you have the power to create a happy and healthy life. Everything you need lies within you, and yoga gives you the power to unlock your potential.
“There is a power in the universe more powerful than you are, and all you need to do to access it is relax, surrender, and breathe.” Journey Into Power, Baron Baptiste
-Steph C. Woods, LA & OC based yoga instructor
Facebook.com/stephCwoods
Second, yoga literally means “union”. It is a practice that unites your body, mind, and spirit. It is a form of meditation – a moving meditation – that allows you to reflect inwards, focus your attention in the present moment, and access your inner peace and power. As your body moves and builds strength, your mind focuses through meditation, allowing you to learn more about yourself, your life, and the world. I know it might sound a little crazy, but it’s true!
Lastly, yoga is based in thousands of years of practice. Yoga is not a new phenomenon. Though the practice was originally just meditation and principles of living, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras, the physical practice that accompanies the meditation and comprises what we now define as “yoga”, has been passed down through thousands of years of gurus, teachers and practitioners. The poses work. They are designed for every human body. As long as you follow proper anatomical alignment, as guided by an instructor, you can take any level of yoga and feel its benefits.
It’s about pushing yourself past physical and mental limits, but it’s not about getting bruises or showing off. It’s about setting your own personal goals, finding truth and learning that you have the power to create a happy and healthy life. Everything you need lies within you, and yoga gives you the power to unlock your potential.
“There is a power in the universe more powerful than you are, and all you need to do to access it is relax, surrender, and breathe.” Journey Into Power, Baron Baptiste
-Steph C. Woods, LA & OC based yoga instructor
Facebook.com/stephCwoods
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