In our fast-paced, always-moving world, it can be tough to slow down, which is exactly why yoga matters. In this edition of Ask a Trainer, we sat down with one of our certified instructors, Erin Darby Gesell, to talk about what yoga really is (hint: it’s way more than stretching) and why it’s something everyone can benefit from, no matter your fitness level.
Whether you’re looking to build flexibility, improve balance, calm your mind, or just carve out a little breathing room in your busy week, yoga offers a practice that meets you right where you are. Keep reading to learn from Erin on how this ancient tradition can support your body, your mind, and your favorite Steamboat activities.
Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
No! Like weight lifting, running, or any other exercise, you can start a yoga practice at any level of fitness and you will improve with time. Yoga instructors go through 200 hours of training to become certified and then maintain their certification with hours of continuing education–you will be in good hands if you join a class as a new practitioner or you can also try some short beginner classes online at home to build some confidence. Additionally, the physical practice of yoga is only one small piece of the practice. When some poses are more challenging, if you can come back to your breath, reset and stay in the moment, you are doing yoga. The breath is yoga. Mindfulness is yoga.
Why should I take the time to add another activity to my already busy schedule?
Yoga has a myriad of benefits including increased flexibility and balance, better mobility for injury prevention, better breathing mechanics and bodily awareness, as well as mental benefits like mindfulness and relaxation. Yoga can keep you healthy for your other Steamboat activities. In fact, we typically think of a person having five indicators of physical health: cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, body composition, and flexibility. All five are equally important. An unbalance in any of the five can increase the risk for injury.
How is yoga different from just stretching after a workout?
Yoga is an ancient practice–over 5,000 years old! We think of it as a practice because we are continually bringing a different body and a different self to the mat. The art is in the connection between the body, the movement, the mind, and the breath, which are all different from day to day, there is no “perfect” in yoga. When we think of a Hatha or Vinayasa class, as most of our classes are at Old Town, we are looking to use the poses, the movements, to focus our attention to only the present moment. Yoga has a strong mind/body connection in which we are giving ourselves the space to slow down our thoughts and just focus on one pose, one breath at a time.
If you’re interested in classes that Old Town Hot Springs offers that focus on mindfulness and mind body connection, consider signing up for one of our Yoga classes! For the most current schedule and to register, please visit the Old Town Hot Springs member/guest portal.
A big thank you to Erin Darby Gesell for sharing her insight, experience, and passion for yoga with us in this Ask a Trainer feature. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious about trying your first class, Erin’s reminder to focus on breath, mindfulness, and meeting yourself where you are is something we can all carry with us!
Curious for more tips? Check out past Ask a Trainer posts on creating a routine that works for you and tackling pain or discomfort while working out.