Would you like to improve your flexibility, strength, balance, and more? If so, Adventure Fitness Athletic Club invites you to roll out your yoga mat with us at our Yoga Classes:

• Tuesdays – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Fridays – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
• Saturday meditation – 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m.

These classes are free to members of our gym, and also available to non-members for a drop-in fee of $10.00. We welcome you to join us as our instructor leads our class through the physical and mental exercises that have inspired yoga enthusiasts worldwide for thousands of years.

What is yoga?

Most of us have heard of yoga and many of us have tried it before, but everyone seems to have their own perception of what yoga is.

Defined simply, yoga is a collection of specific poses combined with breathing techniques and meditation. Every pose comes with modified versions for those who are less or more experienced. People who practice yoga will incorporate objects like blankets, straps, chairs, and blocks to make poses more effective.

For some, yoga is a physical exercise that’s part of an overall fitness program. For others, it’s a treatment for a physical ailment like back pain or arthritis. For still others, it’s a way to relax, promote mental health, and grow spiritually. For the majority of practitioners, it’s some combination of all these experiences and more. But that’s what makes yoga great — it’s able to fulfill a wide range of needs and goals.

Where did yoga come from?

The long, rich history of yoga can be traced back at least 5,000 years to northern India, but some historians believe the practice could be up to 10,000 years old. Originally documented through ancient religious texts in a language called Sanskrit, the Sanskrit word “yoga” can be interpreted in a few ways. Its root word is “yuj,” which means “to hitch up.” It can also mean to yoke, join, or unite. Therefore, it makes sense that the practice of yoga is designed to unite an individual’s consciousness with the Universal Consciousness, leading to harmony between mind, body, mankind, and nature. It’s said to link you to the Earth and help you feel connected, rooted, and stable. Through this connection, you can become aware of your existence and feel supported by your ancestral roots.

Over thousands of years, the practice of yoga has been influenced by many different civilizations, beliefs, and techniques. Since making its way to Western civilization in the late 1800s, yoga has inspired thousands teachers who have collectively gained millions of followers, resulting in more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga.

What are a few of the most common yoga poses?

With Sanskrit names like Tadasana and Utkatasana, yoga poses can sound a lot more intimidating than they actually are. Thankfully, these poses come with easy translations that help beginners grow comfortable with the practice.

Here are some of the most common yoga poses that you’ll encounter in classes:

• Mountain pose — also known as Tadasana, this pose involves standing with your feet hip-width apart and your palms facing the front of the room.
• Chair pose — also known as Utkatasana, this pose starts as a Mountain pose. As you inhale, you’ll raise your arms and reach up to the sky through your fingertips. While exhaling, you’ll bend your hips and knees as if you’re about to sit in a chair. Then you’ll return to the Mountain pose.
• Downward-Facing Dog — also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, you’ll place your feet and hands flat on the floor, with your legs and arms straight, and your hips pointed toward the sky, as if to make an inverted “V” with your body. From this position, you’ll walk your hands back to be six inches in front of your feet. You can bend your knees if your hamstrings are tight.
• Bridge pose — also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, this pose calls for you to lie on your back, face up, with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at your sides with palms down. Your feet should be hip-width apart. As you inhale, press on the floor with your feet and lift your hips off the floor, toward the sky. Then exhale as you slowly lower your hips back to the ground, one vertebra at the time.
• Corpse pose — also known as Savasana, every yoga class includes this pose. It’s about as simple as it sounds! You’ll lie face up, flat on your back, bringing your legs to the outer edges of your mat and your arms along your sides, palms facing up. Relax and close your eyes.
• Other basic poses — most classes include the Warrior I, Warrior II, Triangle pose, Tree pose, Bound Ankle pose, Plank pose, and Upward Facing Dog.

What are the benefits of yoga?

The purpose of yoga is to build strength, increase awareness, and promote harmony in the mind and body. Yoga is a great tool for health and wellness because in addition to treating medical conditions, it can also help to prevent illness and injury.

Another main benefit of yoga is that it’s good for beginners, professional athletes, and everyone in between. Anyone can start doing yoga, regardless of their physical fitness level.

Among its long list of benefits, yoga can help promote:

• Flexibility
• Strength
• Balance
• Coordination
• Better breathing
• Posture
• Muscle tone
• Cardio and circulatory health
• Energy
• Vitality
• Weight maintenance
• Athletic training
• Movement in everyday life
• Anxiety relief
• Stress management
• Relief from chronic pain, including back and neck pain
• Better sleep
• Headache relief
• Recovery from substance abuse
• Concentration

Learn More About Yoga Classes at Our Gym in Thornton, CO

If you’d like to discover the benefits of yoga for yourself — or if you’ve been a yogi for years and would like to try a different class — please contact us or stop by Adventure Fitness Athletic Club. Feel free to call Susan at 720-849-0245 or email her at susan@adventurefitness.club. Club members can register for our Yoga Classes on MINDBODY and non-members can join for a $10 per-class fee.

To read more articles from Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, check out our Adventure Corner blogs by clicking here.