Before the pandemic, millions of people around the world stayed in shape by going to the gym, running around their local state parks, and even walking around the mall with some friends. Now with gyms starting to close again due to a recurring spike of cases, people are left to figure out a way to stay in shape without any house gym. And yoga comes to mind.
Yoga is a physical activity with cultural roots in ancient India. It helps improve posture, breathing techniques, concentration, and meditation power. Although it is a calming exercise that helps people stay in shape, it is not intended to be intense. Rather, the focus is on tapping into the spiritual and mental energy.
The interpretation of yoga varies across cultures. Some view it as a religious activity. Others see it more as a science of wellbeing. When making the most out of yoga’s benefits, it’s important to realize that spirituality and religion aren’t the same. For those who are unwilling to follow the practices of cultures other than their own, viewing yoga as a way to reconnect with nature or with inner thoughts can help spread the benefits to more individuals, regardless of religion or cultural background.
In Montgomery County, the recreation center has been advertising for months about their yoga classes– face-to-face with social distancing or at home over Zoom. Each class has a wide variety of age groups starting from 14 years old to 55 years or older and can be easily accessible through their website.
Yoga can be a great alternative to strenuous exercise at home. While also embracing the cultural and historical roots of yoga, let’s first use our time at home to appreciate the universal benefits.
Article by Amanda Catipon of Northwest High School
Photo Courtesy of Pexels