In a community-minded effort to demystify the ancient practic of yoga for mind, body and soul, Red Elephant Yoga Studio in Fuquay-Varina will be offering free classes.
“These classes have been designed for people who know nothing about yoga, feel like they are totally inflexible, as well as those folks who may have flexibility but never tried yoga before,” said studio owner Charlotte Ranz.
Men and women of all age groups and sizes — including pregnant women and seniors — are welcome.
Ranz said she is offering the classes to help clarify the many misconceptions so many people have about what yoga is, and also what it is not.
“First and foremost,” Ranz said, “yoga is not a religion.” In her classes, there is no burning of incense or chanting. Certified instructors provide a safe place for people to relax, do gentle stretching and strengthening and quiet the chatter in their heads for a little while.
Cell phones are fobidden in the studio. In their place, soft, quiet music hovers in the background.
“Yoga has many healing aspects. It is my hope that people of any age or almost any physical condition will give these classes a try,” Ranz said. “Arthritis, bursitis and some shoulder and back discomforts can be relieved. We would like to make people aware that yoga can be helpful for expecting moms and dads, too.”
While yoga is no absolute medical remedy and is not professed to “cure” anyone, a growing number of physicians are recommending yoga for stress relief and the general aches and pains people experience, especially as they age.
“Yoga has prepared me to cope and find peace in the midst of chaos,” said Joanne Wisnosky, a student at Red Elephant Yoga. “It has made my body stronger and is keeping it supple while gravity and age want to make it otherwise. It has brought me good friends, lively conversations and a connection to some pretty amazing women I would not have known otherwise.”
Registered students are invited to a first-Saturday monthly presentation on “The Philosophy of Yoga,” a free study group.
To register for classes call 577-6623 or e-mail info@redelephan tyoga.com. For information about Red Elephant Yoga visit redelephantyoga.com.