Yes, you can get into that yoga position - Belleville News Democrat

WHAT: Yoga originated in India and is used to attain optimal health. There are several branches of yoga with a main goal of creating a balance in body and mind. Postures have specific physical benefits and can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect alignment. Poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher trained.

BENEFITS: Yoga will help build strength and stamina, improve balance and increase flexibility. It can reduce aches and pains, help lower blood pressure and improve the ability to find peace and relaxation. "Yoga enhances our life because of techniques that make the body strong, the mind clear and sharp, and the emotions steady and calm," instructor Jan Rule said.

GET STARTED: Many local YMCAs and gyms offer yoga classes. Stillpointe Wellness Center, 2135 Dorothy Drive off of Townhall Road in Belleville, has classes at 8:30 a.m. Mondays, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For changes and more classes, check their online calendar at www.stillpointe.org. Lotus Arts Studio, 6966 W. Main St. in Belleville, also offers classes daily. Check their schedule at www.lotus-arts.net. Information on local YMCA classes is available at www.ymcaswil.org.

COST: Classes are free to members of most local gyms and YMCA's. Stillpointe Wellness Center charges a $10 drop-in fee or $80 for 10 sessions. Lotus Arts Studio holds six-week sessions and charges $60 for one class per week, $105 for two classes a week and drop-in options for some classes at $12 per class. Yoga instructors recommend you bring your own mat, towel and water, but some locations have mats available for new students. Mats start at about $20.

FITS YOU WELL is a weekly look at the range of fitness activities available to you in the metro-east. To suggest an activity, call us at 239-2470. See past installments and the fitness calendar at bnd.com/fitsyouwell.

Read more at : http://yogatips.infoplugin.com/