The health benefits of yoga and meditation have been studied by scientists at many of the great research institutions.  They have found scientific evidence that shows that yoga can reduce stress levels.  This reduction of stress has a positive impact on stress-related diseases such as high blood pressure. 

But what makes yoga different from regular exercise? The meditative aspect of yoga is one key difference. Many people attend gyms to run on the treadmill while plugged into the television and ipods and their minds are racing and disengaged from what is happening in the body. In yoga, the mind is engaged and concentrated on the breath or a central point in the body; the exercise unifies the body and mind, which results in greater relaxation and focus.

Yoga is not a sport.  There is no competition.  Yet athletes can benefit from a yoga practice.  They are often surprised at the challenges that yoga can bring. Years of weight lifting can shorten the muscles.  The asanas (steady yoga postures) serve to lengthen muscles while strengthening them, toning the body. The muscles become long and more mobile, more useful in daily life than bulky and inflexible muscles. The slow pace of the movements allow for exploration of alignment and the connective tissues.

At Baltimore Yoga Village, we offer a full range of yoga experiences, from slow therapeutic classes to those that get the heart rate up! Your lifestyle and needs determine which class is right for you.