Harmony Healing Arts Studio of Shepherdstown announces its plans for its winter yoga program schedule. The 12-week, winter 2012-2013 session begins Dec. 9 and will run through March 16, 2013. Co-yoga-studio owner Terry Lindsay said, “The ancient practice of yoga has become mainstream in American these days. Millions of people are finding the benefits that a regular practice of yoga can bring: increased flexibility, improved balance, greater core strength, reduced stress, and more bodily awareness.”

The Mayo Clinic’s website, www.mayoclinic.com, explains that yoga can be an effective method for reducing stress and anxiety. The site says the “quite, precise movements of yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety.”

Lindsay says picking the right yoga class for one’s present physical condition is important. “Yoga is a steady progression: you want to challenge your body to find growth in the practice, but you don’t want to push yourself body beyond your limits.” He encourages new students to start slow, find a basic level class, and learn the proper body alignments of each yoga posture, so you can be safe in the practice and then move on from there.

Harmony’s winter yoga program offers something for everyone: young and old, the physically fit or those seeking physical fitness. Yoga can be gentle or vigorous, and adapted to all body types. The winter session offers 16-weekly yoga classes designed for the beginner and the experienced yoga student.

Students can register for one weekly class or purchase an unlimited class pass to attend several classes each week. Class pass cards are also available for any five classes or any eight classes, which allow students to come to a class when they can or to try several different classes until they find the one that suits them best. Harmony offers a $5 discount for those registering by Dec. 1. In addition, seniors can receive $5 off a weekly pass or $10 off the unlimited class pass. Shepherd University students, with current IDs, and Iraq and Afghanistan U.S. Veterans can register for classes at half price.

Lindsay says yoga classes make wonderful Christmas gifts and Harmony has special gift cards available for purchase during the holiday shopping season. Join a Harmony yoga class today. You can checkout Harmony’s winter yoga offerings and costs at harmonyhealingarts.org or call 304-582-0179 for more details.