Yoga is a science over 6,000 years old that has been developed and perfected over the centuries. It is a system of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. The word Yoga means union. The purpose of all Yoga practice is to unite man the finite with the Infinite, Cosmic Consciousness, Light, Nature, God or whatever one may call the Ultimate Reality.

Yoga exercises and postures (called Hatha Yoga) are the usual starting place for Yoga practice. This is the Yoga of physical well-being. It includes breathing exercises and various selected postures that stretch, flex, and massage the spine, muscles, nerves, and internal organs, thus promoting proper elimination, circulation, and glandular function. It is not necessary to take up the more advanced forms of Yoga unless one so desires.

Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises can be practiced by almost anyone from six to sixty-five plus. Our local classes have had members in their eighties. We have active teachers in that age range as well.

Yoga cannot cure anything. Nature is the only healer. Yoga exercises can only help remove impurities and obstructions and tone up the body to give Nature a chance to perform her normal function, that of maintaining physical health. If you have any physical ailment or handicap, inform your Yoga teacher, as some Yoga exercises may not be advisable for you.

Yoga exercises are a scientific art applied to the anatomy of the living body. Gymnastics are a form of engineering that is applied to the muscles of the body. There is a vast difference! Yoga exercises tend to normalize the functions of the entire organism. They regulate the involuntary processes of respiration, circulation, digestion, elimination, and metabolism, affecting the glands and organs as well as the nervous system and the mind.

You will experience stimulation and a sense of well-being rather than fatigue after doing Yoga exercises - even for as little as ten minutes a day. They will help to keep you young and alert when performed properly.

There are said to be eighty-four, many of them variations of the 20 or 30 selected for teaching in these classes. some are quite simple to do and others require patience and practice. In the class you are taught a progressive series of exercises so it is advantageous to attend a course in its entirety.

There are so many exercises that if some are too difficult for a student, due to age, inexperience or some handicap, there are others he can do, right from the start.

1.  Students with back or hip discomfort, displaced vertebrae, spurs, arthritis, or other physical limitations should  consult  their physicians before beginning a Yoga practice.

2.  Breath normally while in all of the Yoga poses. Relax the eyes, ears, throat, and abdomen.

3.  Avoid exerting yourself beyond your capacity. Any pain or discomfort in a pose should be mild and temporary. Sharp  or persistent pain is a sign of a physical problem or incorrect practice; consult your physician and/or a qualified Yoga instructor.

4.  During menstruation, women should avoid the inverted poses.

5.  Pregnant women should avoid deep forward bends or other poses that constrict or twist the abdomen.

6.  Do not do the inverted poses if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, detached retina, or ear problems

7.  Remember: no book, video, or other written instruction can take the place of a qualified Yoga instructor.

As we have said, Yoga is not a religion. It is a way of life. We have Yoga members who are Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and Hindu, for example, and others with no church affiliation at all.