The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is continuing its monthly fitness series with yoga for May and June. Classes are free and open to the public and no library card is required. The class is geared towards those new to yoga; however, all skill levels are welcome. The teacher, Richard Rogers of Lotus in the Pines yoga studio, offers modified poses for those with limited flexibility, balance or other physical impairments. Many of the poses can even be done in a chair!
Maybe are still hesitant to try because they feel they aren’t flexible enough, but Rodgers shared what some of the most common hang-ups are for people.
“That is probably the number one thing that keeps people from trying yoga,” said Rodgers, “That’s backwards, you practice yoga to develop your flexibility. If you are causing pain, it’s not yoga. As people, we are often reluctant to try something that we feel we are not good at. And in America, with our competitive society, yoga doesn’t fit many people’s mindsets. Also, men, in particular seem to think that yoga is ‘for girls,’ but that is completely inaccurate. In fact, women were forbidden to practice yoga in its beginning and it was viewed as a particularly male exercise. A lot of people also view yoga as a religion, but it is not. It simply invites self-inquiry by attempting to create a connection between our mind, body and spirit.”
The classes will meet May 20 and 29 and June 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6-7 p.m. There is no pre-registration and several mats will be available if you do not have your own. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing allowing a full range of movement.
“There are many benefits to practicing yoga,” said Mr. Rogers, “Among them are developing strength, flexibility, and balance, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and improving sleep and digestion.”
“The NPL is presenting this free service to the community in the hopes that it will encourage a healthy lifestyle to our residents,” said NPL Community Outreach Coordinator Alan Niette. “With all of yoga’s benefits and no cost, why wouldn’t you try it?”
For a full schedule of summer events and more information on these events, visit natlib.org or the NPL’s Facebook page.
