Monday, January 16, 2012

Yoga in Berkeley Springs

Winter is a great time to start or re-start your yoga practice. We tend to sit a lot more in the winter time, whether it's because we don't like the cold, or there just isn't as much going on this time of year. Yoga is a wonderful way to get back in touch with your body, and to still the mind. I've been trying to fit a few more Yoga workouts into my week lately. It feels good, and anybody who thinks Yoga is for sissies hasn't done it. Plank pose alone strengthens your core, your back, and of course, your arms. Downward facing dog and pigeon pose feel like heaven after you've been sitting all day.
For those of you who haven't been exercising regularly, yoga would be a good place to start. Yoga naturally makes you aware of your body, and helps you remember to breathe while you move. A good instructor will make gentle corrections to assure that your poses are good for you.
And for those of you who already have an exercise routine going, good for you! But don't forget, cross training is key to a strong, healthy body. Yoga will help you stretch your muscles and further strengthen them.
In Berkeley Springs, we are blessed with several really great instructors, all offering different techniques. A good instructor will be able to teach most levels of yoga to one class, but you should always let your instructor know if you're a beginner. Here's a list of all the Yoga classes I was able to find out about in our area:


Joyce Morningstar  and Lee Barrons Classes are held at their home studio. Call 304-258-6247 for information. Individual classes $10 / 8 classes $55
  • Tues                      Gentle Yoga       7:00-8:15
  • Thursday             Vigorous Yoga   7:00-8:15
  • Friday                    partner yoga      7:00-8:15
  • Sat                          Gentle Yoga       9:00-10:15


Marcie Fleeharty   Classes are held at the Board Office Annex Building. Must sign up by registering with Morgan County Adult and Community Education. Contact Laura Hovermale at 304-258-2430 ext 19 or 20. Classes are $50 for 10 weeks beginning  January 23.
  • Monday               Basic Yoga           4:30-5:45
  • Monday               Yoga Fusion        6:00-7:15

               
Christina Page Classes are held at the inMotion Dance Center. Call (540)535-6188 for more information. Classes are $15 for drop ins, or multiple class cards are available at a discount. Private classes available as well.
  • Thursday             Alignment based Yoga   9:00-10:30          

Evelyn Garcia Classes are held at the  Presbyterian Church Social Hall. Please call  (304)258-9069 before attending.  Classes are $8 in advance  or $10 at the door. Evelyn is also available for private classes.
  • Monday               5:30-7:00
Rankin Fitness Center now offers Yoga classes. Each class is 45 minutes in length and each class costs $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.
  • Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00 am Senior Yoga
  • Mondays 7:00 pm Yoga for Stress
  • Wednesdays 7:00 pm Workout Yoga
You can also find tons of Yoga workouts on DVDs, and on Youtube. Personally, I wouldn't use these until I had taken Yoga from an instructor and got confident with the poses. I do have a few that I like. I'll post these later on. If you have some favorites, please let me know! I might want to give yours a try.
Namaste!

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