Yoga’s popularity has grown exponentially here in our Western culture in recent years. This is for good reason. Many of us have come to understand the many benefits yoga brings to the mind, body, and spirit.
In my mid-twenties, I had a pretty well-rounded fitness routine...or so I thought. I ran several times a week and had began weight-training. I worked in a smoothie shop at a local gym for extra part-time income and had awesome exposure to friends with a wide span of knowledge. A topic that continually surfaced was this thing called Yoga. I had never given it much thought, but classes at the gym were continually full. I got curious. However, like so many others, I was intimidated.
I haven’t ever really been what I would consider a fitness class person. I tend to do the exercise thing on my own. This isn’t because I don’t like people and don’t often enjoy a workout with a companion, but exercise has always been my my source of me-time, reflection, and how I get centered. So, true to form, as my curiosity grew, I bought a book about yoga that explained breath, poses, benefits, history, yogic diet, and had suggestions for how one might approach the practice.
I began to understand why those classes were always full. I also began to see the complexity and versatility of yoga. There are so many different types and styles, so many ways to practice, and endless variations to this ancient concept. I appreciated the modifications to the poses and movements that could be made to accommodate the needs of the individual.
In our current lives, so many of us are working in desk-job environments. Our bodies are in seated, sedentary positions for far longer than is healthy for us. We also continually force our bodies into unnatural positions and repetitive motions with our typing and texting. All of this can cause us some real problems. From back, joint, and muscle pain, diminished flexibility and stiffness to “tech neck” and carpal tunnel syndrome, our bodies may beg for relief. Since our desk jobs and technology are here to stay, how do we counteract the negative effects? Yoga is one answer.
In an already busy day, trying to fit in anything else might seem like a real challenge. Many of us don’t have access to space or instruction—especially during our hurried day. What if I said you could help your body and your mind with a practice in under 15 minutes and not even leave your office chair?
Sarah Montgomery is a certified yoga teacher and is here to help us with this challenge! Sarah brings a practical and accessible approach to yoga. She studied at The Om Place in beautiful Winchester, KY. (https://www.theomplace.net) In our video, Sarah takes us through a chair yoga sequence that allows us to breathe, re-center, and stretch our bodies in places affected by sitting and using common technology.
So, keep your seat, and follow along if that feels right for you today!
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