At 6:30 in the morning in early spring, it’s still dark.
Students participating in the first yoga class of the day at Postels Community
Health Park arrive to find the yoga room dimly lit and the sounds of quiet,
meditative music.
Instructor Ashley Nelson has been there for about 90 minutes
already. She’ll tell you that it is “me time.” Ashley credits her yoga practice
for helping her to care for her family and to stay energized towards her work,
among many other benefits.
Each session begins with getting centered and scanning the
body to honor the parts that might be tender or holding some tension. It’s a
time to set an intention for emotional balance, self-acceptance, and honoring
where we are in the moment.
Poses and postures flow from one into another, a vinyasa,
and in the morning, this is an awakening of the body, mind, and spirit. As the
class progresses through the hour, the room begins to fill with light. It’s a beautiful way to begin the day. The
class is designed for those with yoga experience but can be modified for those who want to begin. Modifications and alternatives for poses are provided
throughout the class to make it safe, yet challenging.
The benefits of yoga are well documented – increased
strength, stamina, range of motion, flexibility, and balance are just a few
highlights. Because it is often considered a moving meditation, movement and
breathing intentionally sync together throughout the practice, it is very
beneficial for those who live with depression, anxiety, stress, or just the “blues.”
GRMC’s Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center provides yoga classes
throughout the day. Yoga and group exercise classes are included with
membership to the fitness center. The class schedule can be found at www.grmc.us/classes and events/fitness
and wellness classes. You may also call
the Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center at 641-236-2999 for more information.
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