Yoga offers flexiblity to mind and body

Greg Bloom, Helen Saunders and Cathy Tibert practice the standing pidgeon yoga pose at the Camano Senior & Community Center, a class offered by Movement Arts, which also offers yoga classes at StudioWest, 10101 271st St. NW, Stanwood. A grand opening for StudioWest will include free sample classes, door prizes and refreshments, on Sept. 11. Basic beginner stretching/yoga can be done by almost anyone, but it does take some guidance through reading, or taking a class, discipline and consistency.

Yoga is an exercise routine that will help your balance, coordination and a sense of centeredness.

My mother, Georgia Mantis started yoga at age 86.

“It’s hard to start anything new but I am now happy I have. It gives me a sense of peace and love, a sense of well being,” Georgia said.

Jenn Wright, age 67, started yoga after a car accident.

“I was immobilized after the accident. I did physical therapy and many other things, but doing yoga has increased my overall mobility and mostly my attitude, and that helps me in all areas of my life,” Jenn said.

There are many different kinds of yoga, but they all offer both physical and mental benefits. Physically, yoga can improve: • Flexibility and joint mobility, as well as toning and strengthening muscles;

• Strengthens the spine and corrects posture;

• And helps release conditions such as tight shoulders, bad knees and neck problems.

Mentally, benefits are:

• Relaxing the mind and body, thereby relieving chronic stress patterns;

• Sharpens concentration and focus;

• And increases body awareness and frees the spirit .

Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga encourages quality of movement over quantity, and generates motion without creating imbalances.

It is the best investment we can make today is in ourselves, both in mind and body.

Z’s offers free yoga

Z’s is offering eight free beginner classes during the week of Aug. 23. Call to sign up as classes are very small.

Susanna “Z” Mantis owns Z’s, All Things Good in Stanwood, 629-5040.