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Yoga Lady 360
More than 20 million Americans practice yoga, spending $10.3 billion annually on classes, equipment, clothing, media and get-aways, according to the 2012 “Yoga in America” study published by yogajournal.com
Although stretching and strengthening the body through poses is the most popular form of yoga in the United States, it can also provide stress relief and relaxation as many classes include deep breathing and meditation.
If you’re new to yoga, shop around before you take your first class. “What people typically do is they pick the yoga class that’s down the street without any preparation,” says Judith Hanson Lasater, a yoga teacher since 1971 and author of eight books, including, “Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times.” Look for classes that are labeled as gentle basic, restorative or for beginners.
Lasater recommends taking at least one yoga class a week, and also practicing on your own. You don’t have to roll out your mat to do yoga. Deep breathing, meditation and bodily awareness can be practiced almost anywhere—at your desk, in the airport or even when you’re stuck in traffic. Yoga teaches you to tune into your body and become aware of when you’re hunched over the computer or holding tension in your body.
“Breathing is the fastest and most physiologically effective way to change mood,” Lasater says. “If you’re tense, if you’re tired, if you’re angry, if you’re impatient, if you’re stressed, 10 deep breaths will completely change your world,” Lasater says.