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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Yoga – Is It for Pretzels Only?

Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com
Hatha Yoga has a reputation for tying people in knots and turning out contortionists. While there is value in the amazing flexibility that some people attain, it is not necessarily what Yoga is about.
“Hatha” (literally "sun-moon") simply refers to the physical practices of a much larger yogic tradition. And while yoga does cultivate physical strength and flexibility, it also cultivates internal strength through breathing techniques and calming the mind. Like many holistic practices, it may also improve your immune system functioning, help stabilize blood sugar and hormone balance, and alleviate some stress-induced illnesses/disorders. Most people want yoga to leave them feeling better, healthier.
I have dubbed my routine “Killer Yoga” because it supports a scholar-warrior path by incorporating safe, effective stretching practices plus challenging strengthening exercises, while clearing the mind and energizing the spirit. I incorporate an extensive repertoire of qigong (breath work) practices also, and of course, a good routine of Hatha poses. You may be looking for a routine that simply keeps you where you are and offers only traditional Hatha poses – no extra stretching or isometrics. Or you may want a practice that can whip you into shape, making you strong, supple and downright impressive! Most people could be stronger and more flexible – we tend to sit at desks and in cars quite a bit, or we work hard physically without paying enough attention to stretching. My students tend to say that the routine I teach is always challenging but not impossible, and before long they start to feel stronger and their flexibility improves. They become impressive! And they tend to feel energized afterward.
This is what a good routine should do – balance strength and flexibility and calm the mind, and give you a regular form of physical practice that supports your busy lifestyle, rather than making you too tired to do life. It should feel good!
This is what I was seeking when I embarked on this journey: something that addressed the whole human, without requiring super-human feats of contortion or religious references; a routine that left the person feeling energized, stronger, suppler, happier and healthier.
What are you seeking?
Juli is a certified instructor of Hatha and Kriya Yoga.
Get strong, limber and happy today! Call 512-778-5778 or 497-5660 to enroll
Juli Hartmann, Master Instructor and OwnerTexas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source

For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778

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