In terms of the skeleton, many doctors agree that
the spine is the most important piece of the
anatomy, so moving it gently in different directions
can be the best aid in back pain.
Just one sun salutation helps work the entire body
by circulating fresh, oxygenated blood around.
Jan Waters, co-owner and teacher at Banyan Tree
Pilates & Yoga, agreed that yoga has both mental and
physical powers.
“It helps with breath regulation, which keeps lungs
and heart strong and healthy, while the relaxation
techniques can lessen chronic pain such as lower
back pain, arthritis and headaches,” Waters said.
56GASPARILLA ISLAND 2018 January/February
Boca Grande resident Jo Ann Welch practices
yoga on a regular basis with Dennis Domres,
who teaches a class at the Boca Grande
Community Center.
“It helps with flexibility and improved balance,”
she said. “An added benefit for me is after a busy
Monday, the 5 p.m. yoga class stretches those
tight muscles and helps me to relax.”
Robin Moore, owner of the The Ch’i Spot in
Cape Haze Plaza, said practicing yoga in a heated
room increases pulse rate and metabolism,
allowing your body to become more flexible and
making the body burn some major calories.
“Hot yoga practice was designed by Bikram
Choudhury, synthesized from traditional hatha
yoga techniques. It became popular in the early
1970s,” Moore said. “The practice makes
circulation easier and increases blood flow to
the limbs. The benefits of infrared heat use
include the ability to reduce pain, and the deep
penetrating power of infrared rays have been
found to relieve pain associated with sprains,
arthritis, joint stiffness and muscle spasms –
among others.”
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