Yoga offers escape for urbanites

Currently, the United States of America has the greatest obesity epidemic in the world. Due to the type of lifestyle that many of us are currently living, stress is high and fast food or less healthy food is a necessity because of its inexpensiveness and convenience.

As a result, we are becoming mentally and physically unhealthy. Fortunately, for New Yorkers, yoga seems to be an appropriate way to destress and define your body.

Whether you want to lose weight, increase flexibility, decrease stress or all of the above, yoga can be a very good option.

"Yoga is good for a certain type of people. It's also really good for relaxation, especially if you are a very busy or active person," Junior international business major Nicole Kereszti expressed. Unlike other types of physical workouts, the practice of yoga is focused on the mind and the spirit, as well as the body.

When considering whether or not yoga is either a workout or a form of mediation, it is important to first become familiar with the many different types of yoga available.

Ivengar yoga (also known as hot yoga, or a form of yoga practiced in higher temperatures), Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Kundalini and Power yoga are all different options. Depending on your specific goals and experience, some forms of yoga may be too gentle or too physically or mentally strenuous.

Yoga generally focuses on breathing and on promoting a serene mindset that is most beneficial for each individual. While doing this, you can strain your body, so make an educated decision.

"I love yoga. Its fun and challenging and gives me a better work out than running or other kinds of cardio do," Junior communications and and history major Amy Boutet said.

With countless studios in Manhattan, beginning yoga is as simple as consulting a search engine, your best friend or the group schedules at the nearest gym and then making some phone-calls.

Popular membership-based gyms such as Bally's Total Fitness, Crunch and NYSC offer different types of yoga classes to their members. Even if you don't belong to one of these sometimes exclusive and pricey gyms, there are still numerous options available if you are interested in yoga.

One extremely student-friendly East Village yoga studio, is Yoga to the People. Power Vinyasa Flow yoga classes are generally offered about three to six times per day and are offered in 60 to 90 minute increments.

Among many positives that Yoga to the People offers-including a totally non-judgmental style, cheap mat rentals (two dollars) and a convenient location-is their donation policy. Rather than charge a flat rate per class or offer monthly or yearly memberships, Yoga to the People only asks what you can afford.

Although their suggested donation is 10 dollars, the instructors emphasize that only what you can afford is appreciated. According to yogatothepeople.com, the center aims to be a place where being yourself and focusing on "your body and your breath" is what is most important.

Yoga can offer an escape from the fashion-conscious, self-conscious NYC society that we may often find ourselves submerged in. Although the city's fast pace and constant business is something to be appreciated, taking time out to focus on mental and physical health is just as important.

Yoga is an outlet. It offers a private place within our own heads. In a world where we are being pulled in 30 directions or more, yoga gives us the permission to focus on ourselves for a good amount of time.