Yoga is not just bending and stretching, it's about physical and mental health too.

Mention yoga to some people, and their mind's eye provides an image of a woman seated in a lotus position, meditating quietly. Others, who have experienced yoga, know it to be a marvelous form of exercise, which invigorates and relaxes.

There are a variety of yoga styles, too - some of which are taught right here in Michiana.

Vinyasa Yoga, for instance, is taught by Machelle Lee. An instructor since 1998, she's been leading classes in the Vinyasa style for three years. "I found Vinyasa a more dynamic practice," she explained. "It provided for me that aspect of cardio movement."

Hard to believe, for some, that yoga would help the cardiovascular system. It does, and the practice can be individualized to meet a person's unique needs. "You don't have to be a gymnast," noted Lee.

Meditation is a component of yoga, as well, according to Lee. She invites her students at St. Joseph Station in downtown South Bend, or her private Shakti Zendo studio, to create their own "intention" as part of the class. By setting a goal, or focusing on a spiritual ideal, "it's a constant remembering why we're doing this."

Based on the "sun salutations," Vinyasa Yoga combines gentle movements which get the student's chi moving and opens them to the flow of energy. Lee begins her classes with this series of postures, linked together.

The sun salutations begin in a standing position, feet on the ground, Lee related. Over the course of six breaths, students sweep their hands over their head, then bend forward. Dropping into a position on the belly, the movements gradually work their way back into a standing position.

"Every movement is directed with an in breath or an out breath," Lee commented.

Breathing is a big part of any yoga class. Steve Krojniewski teaches Kripalu Yoga at St. Joseph Station. Kripalu blends interior practice with breathing.

"It's the yoga of consciousness," Krojniewski said. "It's very accepting of self, of where you're at."

Making certain his students learn the proper way to come in and out of the postures is a primary focus of his classes. When students find themselves performing a sitting spinal twist, for example, Krojniewski instructs them to twist starting at the lower lumbar area, instead of the upper torso.

In the course of a class, students could move into a bridge posture, on their backs, or the "Cobra," on their bellies. As they stretch their hamstrings in the "Warrior 1" posture, Krojniewski pointed out, "It focuses on confidence, balance and concentration."

The Warrior 1 is a standing posture, where students squat over one bent leg, while stretching the other leg behind them. It's not necessary to force the stretch.

"It's important to listen to your body," to prevent injury, remarked Krojniewski.

That means, depending on a student's age or experience, the postures could be slightly different.

For Kim Sellers, who teaches multi-level classes at a host of venues around Michiana, working with individual body types is key. "Some people can't do certain poses," Sellers admitted. By focusing on breathing during the standing postures, twists or inversions, it is still possible for students to feel more open and free in their bodies.

Sellers describes her style of yoga as "Hatha Yoga with a Lyengar influence." Her instruction is flexible, allowing students to "do it in steps" as they feel comfortable.

She chuckles how students really enjoy the close of the class, when they do the "Savasana" or "Corpse pose."

"Everybody looks forward to it."

Students lying flat on their backs for around five minutes might not seem like an exercise, but, Sellers continued, "It's probably the most important pose." When students come out of the pose, they "feel energized and relaxed at the same time."

One of the greatest misconceptions of yoga is that a student is required to twist the body into pretzel-like postures. Because of the many types of yoga taught locally, students can find a class where their bodies fit best, and reap the benefits of the combination of breathing, exercise and meditation.


Interested in Learning More About Yoga?

Information about classes is available by contacting these instructors:

Machelle Lee
Phone: (574) 243-1667
Website: www.shaktiyogastudio.org

Steve Krojniewski
Phone: (574) 234-1134
Website: www.truebalanceyoga.com

Kim Sellers
Phone: (574) 233-1075
E-mail: sellerslink150@aol.com