Yoga class offered to relieve life’s stresses

LaGrange Yoga held a restorative yoga class to allow people to take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

“We have 90 minute sessions for restorative yoga,” said Julie Van Meter, yoga instructor at LaGrange Yoga at 544 N Center St. in LaGrange. “The session consists of putting your body into restorative postures for three to five minutes before moving on to the next one.”

Van Meter said March 10 restorative yoga is about opening up your body during moments of stillness.

“These postures are often called short yoga naps,” she said. “They keep your body still which allows your heart and mind to a stillness and calmness as well.”

Restorative yoga is good for any pain the body is currently experiencing, Van Meter said.

“It helps to relieve the pressures in the body,” she said. “It loosens you up so the body will not feel as tight. Yoga allows the body to open up and remove pain in the lower back, hips, and is great for heart health.”

And Yoga is also a great stress reliever.

“People who are going through any form of anxiety should consider doing Yoga,” she said. “It really calms every part of the body and helps negate a lot of fears in life. Society is geared for us to keep moving forward and always think about what the day will hold. Yoga works against that by promoting stillness and allowing the body to lose those unnecessary stressors. It serves as a great antidote from the chaos of everyday live.”

Van Meter said the restorative yoga class is a great one for beginners.

“I’ve instructed a wide range of people,” she said. “From the pregnant women to elderly individuals, yoga is truly for everyone. Yoga works with your body regardless of what shape and size that may be. Yoga doesn’t discriminate and can always be modified to fit your body and needs.”

Also, negative thoughts on yoga are misplaced, Van Meter said.

“It is not something that will take too long to master,” she said. “Some people may think it is too difficult, but you will get something out of it day one and build from there. It is something that improves the body and mind. It has been a great benefit for my life and I know that it can help you too.”