In a fast-paced society driven by external desires, struggles and goals, it is important for us to take a deep breath and honor our bodies. Yoga, a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation, can be a helpful practice in maintaining balance in one’s life.

The term “yoga,” which means “union of the mind, body and soul,” provides many benefits to one’s well being. Included in these benefits are the improvements of flexibility, physical balance, posture, strength, firmer musculature, controlled breath, energy, concentration, self-acceptance and a decrease in anxiety and depression.

“I have noticed many changes in me since I have begun my yoga practice,” said Marivi Valdez, a student and yoga teacher at The University of Tampa. “My lung capacity and memory have increased substantially. My skin looks better, and my body is thinner and more toned. I am also more relaxed all the time. I can control my body more than I ever could before.”

If you’re interested in beginning yoga, you may be wondering how to get started, what type of class to take and where to take them. UT offers a wide variety of yoga classes for free, including yoga for weight loss, yoga for athletes, power yoga and an all levels flowing yoga. The Lotus Room, a yoga studio located next to campus on Kennedy Blvd., also offers a variety of yoga classes for all different levels. The full schedule for the studio can be found at: http://www.yogalotusroom.com/.

Which type of class is right for you? Valdez recommends trying out a variety of yoga classes to find the type that best suites your personality and lifestyle. There are many different styles of yoga, each with their own unique emphasis.

Yoga involves a series of poses, or physical postures, put together to create a sequence. Some sequences hold poses longer, while others “flow” from one posture to another. Some of the most popular types of yoga practiced in the West today are: Ananda, Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini and Bikram. For an easy-does-it approach, try a Hatha blend, which encompasses a slow-paced and gentle style of yoga. If you’re looking for more athleticism in your practice, Ashtanga, a vigorous type of yoga, moving from one pose to another in constant movement, may be right for you. For more styles and their definitions, visit: http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/165.

Along with consistent yoga practice, meditation can help relieve and reduce the anxiety and negative energy many of us carry on our shoulders everyday. In meditation, you are simply allowing your body to find its quietness, both internally and externally, by keeping the body still and just breathing. The goal is to release your thoughts and enter a deeper sense of relaxation.

Sahara Rodriguez, a meditation instructor at The Lotus Room, saiid that to get started, “The beginner should not be intimidated, but have an open mind. Go into an undisturbed room, sit comfortably and practice breath awareness to still your mind by breathing in and out of the nose slowly and evenly. To keep the mind from wandering, meditators often use mantras, or commonly repeated words or phrases.”

For the beginner, Rodriguez suggests the simple mantra, “sitting, breathing, smiling.”

What if you’re not athletic, not flexible and not spiritual? That’s OK. Yoga is about honoring your body. These characteristics come with time and persistence.

There are so many styles to fit what works best for you, so explore your boundaries and remember to never push yourself too hard. Valdez said, “The trick to getting more flexible is to work with the breath. For example, do a forward bend, go as much as you can comfortably, then take a deep breath and on the exhale try to go the tiniest bit further, not by straining, but by releasing and relaxing the lower back.”

Deep breaths will also help you to keep your focus and intention when you’re meditating. Rodriguez wants people to understand they don’t have to be spiritually involved to meditate. “The practice can take many forms, such as painting, walking or simply sitting and breathing.” You don’t have to find nirvana to meditate, or slip into a split anytime during your yoga days. The most important thing is to relax your thoughts, let go and just be.

For more information on UT’s yoga classes, visit: http://www.ut.edu/mcniff/.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yoga

1. DO breathe continuously
2. DON’T push yourself too hard
3. DO set an intention
4. DON’T judge yourself or others
5. DO keep an open mind

What should I wear and bring to yoga class?

1. Yoga mat: find one for your preference, ie: a “sticky” mat, or an extra thick mat for more cushion.
2. Yoga clothes: loose yet fitting clothes, preferably stretch material.
3. An open mind!

For more information on where to buy yoga supplies, visit: visit: http://www.gaiam.com.