Yoga is a Hindu discipline aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. It has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. The word Yoga means “to join” or “bring together” and it brings the body, mind and spirit together into one harmonious experience. In the West, the term is most commonly understood as the physical exercises that are practiced as part of this discipline.

Yoga is usually understood to mean Hatha Yoga, which contains three main elements; exercises, breathing, and meditation. The exercises or postures of Hatha Yoga essentially stretch and strengthen the body, thereby improving natural flexibility and durability. Breathing techniques gently increase breath control and help improve the health and function of both body and mind. The postures and breathing prepare the body and mind for meditation, enabling the mind to become quiet and allowing release from everyday stress. Regular practice of Yoga enhances the clarity of the mind, ensures a strong and supple body, and can help to support and maintain health and well being.

Pilates (pronounced Pi-lah-tees) is a system of body conditioning designed to strengthen and lengthen the body’s muscles with emphasis on reducing incidence of back pain and injury.

Pilates was developed over 80 years ago by Joseph Pilates. It is appropriate for all ages because it tones and strengthens the muscles without impacting the joints. It improves posture and strengthens the parts of the body that age attacks, including the stomach muscles, inner thighs and upper arms.

Yoga and Pilates encourage health and well-being and are beneficial for conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

Non-members, don’t forget to ask about our non-member aerobics punch cards.

For more information and class schedules, check out the class descriptions.