Fitnessgirl's Blog

Yoga, a 2,000 year old practice, is still going strong all over the world. In fact, it is gaining in popularity every year. Why?  Simply, because it works and can be done by almost anyone, any age.  If you think yoga is simply sitting on the floor in the dark, humming and breathing, you would be mistaken. There are many styles of yoga being practiced now from Bikram "hot" yoga that truly taxes your system,   Ashtanga yoga or "power" yoga,  Hatha yoga , the most common form,  and new trends like fitness yoga, yoga for athletes, kids yoga, yoga for golf and more. Ask anyone who practices yoga on a regular basis and they will give you their opinion of what yoga is and what is does. That is the great thing about yoga - the student gets out of yoga what they want. Whether is is stress relief, increased flexibility, mind-body connection, meditation, improved balance and coordination, or increased muscular strength, many are joining in yoga programs everywhere.

If you are the least bit curious or you are a seasoned yoga veteran, you won't want to miss out on a unique event taking place this Saturday, September 22nd at 11:30am in downtown Springfield at beautiful Union Station Park. It's not an eclipse or a once in 100 years comet - but for many people it is pretty exciting!  Erinn Tanner, FitClub yoga instructor, and her students will be performing many, many, many sun salutations taking part in the Worldwide Celebration of the Sun Salutation. What is a sun salutation? It is a flowing series of 12 postures that use the entire body in coordination with a breathing pattern. Click on this website for a user friendly, quick start guide to the salutation complete with a stick man demonstration http://www.yogasite.com/sunsalute.htm

Yoga literally means to yoke, to come together, to unite.  This is your invitation to try something new, join in with others and enjoy the day - promises to be a good one! Bring a friend or two, your towel, blanket or yoga mat  - And yes - you will learn to downdog!

Have a nice day or as we yogis say - Namaste~

For more information about the WorldWide Sun Salutation event:http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ch
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