Yoga is an ancient system of relaxation and rejuvenation that uses gentle movement, postures, breath, relaxation and meditation as a means to reach physical and emotional health. The postures strengthen, stretch and tone the entire body, including the internal organs. Proper breathing brings energy vitality and calms the mind. Relaxation and meditation relieves the stress and rejuvenates memory and thinking.

Benefits of Yoga

• Improves sleep
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Improves energy levels and vitality
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Eases chronic and acute pain
• Helps overcome addictions
• Prepares women for childbirth
• Improves strength and flexibility
• Reduces symptoms in arthritis, migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain
• You don't have to be flexible to take Yoga

What do our yoga students say?

Our Yoga programs include:

CARDIAC/DIABETES YOGA
The MBI is delighted to offer yoga for people with heart problems and/or diabetes. People who practice yoga see improvement in strength, energy, balance, sleep patterns, and reduced pain and levels of tension and stress. In this course, very gentle yoga movements help participants achieve these benefits. In addition, we will support participants in their meal plan, activity program, and other lifestyle changes. We will emphasize relaxation, breathing and mindfulness to reduce the effects of stress. It is not necessary for participants to get on the floor. Robin Bewley, a Certified Health Education Specialist, and Registered Yoga Teacher will teach this course. She facilitated the design of the education portion of Cardiac Rehabilitation here at ARMC, has been a teacher in the Diabetes Education Program, and she works closely with the staff of both Cardiac Rehab and Diabetes Education. She is also certified in Cardiac Yoga and is skilled in adapting yoga for a variety of students.

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CHAIR YOGA
We have designed this very gentle class to address the special needs of students who have trouble getting up and down. This course is very good for those with breathing problems. The pace will be slow, and there will be limited (or no) use of the floor. Postures or movements can be adapted to the ability of the student.

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THERAPEUTIC YOGA
This six-week program is especially designed to help individuals suffering with symptoms from chronic illnesses of all types. Yoga is a powerful healing practice that returns the body and mind to healthy function. Gentle stretches and yoga postures help strength and increase flexibility in both the body and mind. Combined with breathing practices and a progressive relaxation exercise, participants experience renewed energy and peace of mind. Students will receive individual attention to address specific issues, such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart disease and other types of mobility-related health challenges.

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GENTLE YOGA FOR HEALTH & RELAXATION
Gentle Yoga for Health and Relaxation offers a system of movement combined with awareness, deep breathing and relaxation and can be modified and adapted to suit the need so anyone, no matter what the physical condition, age or abilities. This slow thoughtful practice of balancing the mind and body is a perfect progression from our Therapeutic Yoga class or for those desiring a slower pace.

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LEVEL 1 YOGA FOR HEALTH AND RELAXATION
This class is for people who have mastered Introduction to Yoga. Some new postures are introduced; it could be called advanced beginner.

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YOGA FOR SERENITY
This class is designed to support people recovering from depression and/or anxiety. Through basic yoga postures with focus on mindfulness and the breath, students will recondition their bodies and focus their minds. Students will practice the serenity skills of proper breathing, control of the breath, progressive relaxation, visualization, and meditation during class and can take these skills into daily life. The class is designed to help people cultivate contentment, self-acceptance, and optimism through mindfulness. New students can join the class for 6 week sessions, and students will be invited to continue the class on an ongoing basis. Travel the path towards emotional and mental health with Yoga for Serenity.

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PRENATAL YOGA
These gentle Yoga postures increase overall comfort during pregnancy, enhance physical and mental well-being and prepare the body for labor and delivery.

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Back Care Yoga
ARMC physical therapists, Dr. Panico, and our yoga instructors collaborated to design a course for those leaving rehabilitation and those with back pain. If you are familiar with our Gentle Yoga class, it is very similar, but with special attention to strengthening the muscles that support the neck and spine. We also work to gently stretch chronically shortened muscles. Mindful movement and deep relaxation help participants reduce pain, change the reaction to pain, and promote healing.

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Cancer Care Yoga
Cancer Care Yoga is designed for people living with or recovering from cancer or its treatment. The very gentle postures and movements will help participants increase energy, regain movement, reduce pain, recover strength and reconnect with their bodies. Breathing and deep relaxation, including imagery, assist with anxiety, depression and sleep. Finally, this course will help the immune system recover. Yoga has been shown to improve the quality of life for people with cancer. The instructor will adapt the practice to suit each participant, and their level of energy. We will supply a personal mat and eye pillow that students can keep.