Timi Abney can't get enough of yoga. The 40-year-old former bodybuilder likes that it works the body through breathing, stretching and individual spirituality.
Abney and some members of her yoga class at Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi have a running joke that the exercise is an ideal therapy.
"It's a wonderful therapy," she said. "It doesn't cost very much to take it."
On Saturday several studios will offer free or discounted classes to new attendees to celebrate Yoga Day 2009.
The day prompts hundreds of yoga studio owners across the country to offer free or reduced course rates on that day. This year marks the event's 10th anniversary, according to the Yoga Alliance, the national yoga governing body heading up the day's festivities.
R. Mark Davis, president and chief executive officer of the Yoga Alliance, said the event's goal is to raise awareness about yoga.
"Yoga Day USA is a day for the yoga community to come together to embrace those who want to learn more about the practice of yoga and the transformative effects it can have on one's life," he said.
Evy Coppola, who owns Pathways to Wellness off Everhart Road, said yoga allows people to ease stress, increase flexibility, provide an intense workout and clear the mind.
"They find that it's more than the physical exercise," said Coppola, who trains and certifies yoga instructors.
She said a beneficial yoga class consists of four parts: knowledge, warmup, work and connection to self. Classes across the city offer different styles of yoga for various demographics, including youth yoga.
People become drawn to the Indian tradition because they often want to change their lifestyles, Coppola said.
Michelle Acebo, owner of the Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi, said the tradition is an important element of any yoga class.
Yoga has existed for more than 3,500 years. Once in class, participants learn the history behind various chants during each of Acebo's classes to honor the instructors who came before them, she said.
The tradition's spiritual side helps people look within themselves for guidance and comfort, she said.
"It kind of centers you," she said.
THE MAKINGS OF BENEFICIAL YOGA CLASSES
Jnana: Knowledge. Each yoga class allows participants to gain knowledge about the exercise.
Karma: Work, good or bad. In yoga, karma is the work involved in the exercise.
Hatha: Sun and Moon combined. This is the warm-up leading into the physical part of a class.
Bhaka: The connection to one’s self. This can be 75 to 90 minutes in which the body relaxes.
Source: Evy Coppola, Pathways to Wellness
YOGA DAY CLASSES ON SATURDAY
What: Yoga classes for first-time students
When: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Where: Pathways to Wellness, 617 Everhart Road
Cost: Free
Information: 985-9642 or www.path2wellness.com
What: Yoga classes
When: 8:00 a.m., Hatha Flow; 9:15 a.m., mixed level Hatha; 11 a.m., back bend workshop; 12:30 p.m., open class; 2:30 p.m., Tai Chi; 4 p.m., restorative yoga. All classes are Saturday.
Where: Crossroads Yoga, 5830 McArdle Road
Cost: Free
Information: 992-1111 or www.crossroadsyoga.com
What: Yoga classes
When: 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Hatha Flow; 11:15 a.m., Yogiños youth yoga; 1 p.m. Hot yoga (a class in which the room temperature is increased to 90 degrees).
Where: Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi, 513 Clifford St.
Cost: Free
Information: 883-1052 or www.yogastudioofcc.com
What: Yoga classes
When: 10:30 a.m. beginner and advanced levels
Where: Corpus Christi Athletic Club, 2101 Airline Road
Cost: Free; membership not required
Information: 992-7100, Ext. 148
Contact Elaine Marsilio at 886-3794 or marsilioe@caller.com
