Six-week hatha yoga sessions for beginners, as well as those interested in developing a regular practice, will begin the week of Aug. 25 at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
"Introduction to Yoga I A Beginning Practice" will be offered Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 26. This session provides a comprehensive introduction to hatha yoga, including a review of fundamental asana (posture) for a solid foundation practice. Each class will include asana practice and relaxation. This general overview also will examine asana practice as it relates to posture, balance, flexibility, strength, skeletal and muscular integrity, health benefits, relieving tension, and the restorative qualities of yoga asana. Those who have never practiced yoga, as well as those wishing to refine their understanding, will benefit from the class. No experience is necessary.
"Introduction to Yoga 2 Foundation Practice" will be offered Mondays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 25. This session will provide a further introduction to the art and science of hatha yoga. This will be a continuation and expansion of fundamental hatha yoga asana for a solid foundation practice. Each class will include asana (posture) practice and deep relaxation.
"Hatha Yoga Asana Developing a Regular Practice" will be offered Thursdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m., beginning Aug. 28. This session will provide a regular intensive hatha yoga practice for those who have four years or less of regular yoga practice (previous experience is necessary). This will include a review of the fundamental asana and a broader examination of yogasana. The course explores sequences derived from 44 asana for flexibility, strength and balance and includes standing poses; abdominal strengthening and energizing; seated, prone and supine poses; backward bends; forward bends; twists; inverted poses (limited); restorative postures; deep relaxation; and breathing practices (pranayama).
All three of the six-week sessions will be repeated, starting the week of Oct. 13.
"Yoga is a powerful form of exercise that is great for improving many aspects of a person's physical and emotional well-being," said Thomas G. Woodson, TTC coordinator and facilitator for the courses. "It's a wonderful way to stay healthy, feel good, lessen stress and prevent the buildup of toxins that can lead to disease.
"Some people feel that they can't join a yoga class for one reason or another. Don't be put off from trying yoga classes because you feel that you are too old, too stiff, too fat, too thin, too tired or just don't have the time. Everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the practice of hatha yoga because it is open to people of all ages and levels of physical condition."
To register for any of the yoga sessions, call the TTC at Penn College at (570) 327-4775.