He Rocks, They Flock: The Yoga King
I was in amazement as I read about this former drug addict who sought shelter in becoming a passionate yogi with hundreds of followers. In many ways, yoga is transformational. Not only is it a hot trend sweeping the country, many medical experts agree that it is a cure-all -- so much so that the National Institute of Health has begun funding trials studying yoga's health benefits for various disease processes (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
- Yoga offers numerous physiological, psychological and biochemical benefits.
- Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increases with more self-acceptance and self-actualization as one focuses on the breath (pranayama) and one's core.
- There is a low risk of damage to muscles and ligaments as you workout compared to high-impact exercises such as running.
- Various asanas, or position, massage different glands in the body that add to a sense of balance and protect against diabetes, thyroid dysregulation, and other diseases.
- A yoga mat can run you $10-$20, and even a minimum of 15 mins a day can add to a newfound sense of balance (mind and body).
- A yoga VHS tape on Amazon costs $1 with shipping - try it first before you sign onto a gym class membership.
- It is truly a low-budget way to maintaining health.
- www.yogaalliance.org is a good way to find a teacher locally -- it also offers a 200-hour basic certification if you become proficient.
