• .1 What Is Yoga? What is Yoga? The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root word "yug," which signifies "union." In its broadest definition, yoga is a 5,000 year old science of personal development that cultivates growth through ethical and moral discipline, posture and breath work, mental focus, and meditation. Is Yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion, In fact, at the Center for Yoga you may find a rabbi and a priest in the same class! Will yoga help me manage stress? One of the fundamental aspects that sets the Center for Yoga apart from other Yoga schools is its tremendous emphasis on the cultivation of deep, complete breathing. This has a direct affect on calming the nervous system and releasing muscular tension within the mind and body. What if I can't touch my toes? presented by Jonny Kest, Center for Yoga When and where should I begin? START TODAY! Students in good physical health of all ages who are used to getting hot will enjoy a Short Form Ashtanga class at the Center for Yoga. Students of all fitness levels who want a more moderately paced class that is both challenging and therapeutic may begin with Healthy Backs Yogam. What should I wear? Come barefoot. Wear comfortable exercise clothing.- Will the practice of Yoga help with other athletic activi- ties? ABSOLUTELY! Local professional and Olympic athletes have directly benefited from classes at the Center for Yoga. Yoga supports all other forms of physical activity by preventing muscle soreness and injury and helps by improving flexibility, strength, concentration and balance of mind and body. How will I benefit from Yoga? At the Center for Yoga, we encourage students to begin where they are! Health benefits do not come by comparing, competing, and judging yourself but rather by learning to accept and appreciate where you are. Everyone comes to yoga with a different body type and physical history. But the beautiful way we teach at the Center for Yoga moves each student toward greater self-awareness, health, and balance. How is the Center for Yoga unique? The Center for Yoga presents a unique blend of classes that focus on the health of the spine and the healing power of the breath. All clages including the hot, flowing Short Form Ashtanga and Vinyasa to the deeply therapeutic Healthy Backs Yoga"' are open to all students regardless„ of experience. Yoga's greatest affect is on the mind. As a result of your practice at the Center for Yoga, you will experience greater calmness and equanimity in your daily life. In addition, yoga is a complete health mainte- nance system for the body. It has the ability to help you tone and lengthen muscles, lose weight, relieve back pain, improve circulation, purify your internal organs, and release tension to free the ervous system from undue stress. How often should I do Yoga? daily practice is optimal, you may want to ***egin with 2 - 3 classes a week until you come to - realize the benefit of a daily practice. Everythin CEN 4> *s. Birmingham 248.258.YOGA (9642) • Rochester Hills 248.844.YOGA (9642) • Southfield 248.386.YOGA (9642) and now open in... West Bloomfield, CALL 248.865.YOGA (9642) IN 4/26 2002 7