Hatha Yoga , which mimics the same postures and principles as Bikram Yoga , just without the heat , and Yin Yoga classes , which is a slower , more meditative practice .
“ Every class , we do the same postures , you ’ ll get to know my words and they ’ ll become your meditation , you ’ ll hear the words , you ’ ll do exactly as I say , and you won ’ t even think about it , you ’ ll just be in the zone , doing your own thing , just concentrating and breathing ,” Storry said .
“ Every posture you do prepares you for the next , so it ’ s a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises and it never changes , but it ’ s designed to work your body inside and out – every muscle , joint , organ , major gland ,” Merlet said .
“ It ’ s great therapy and it ’ s for everybody . It ’ s a beginner ’ s yoga , there ’ s no modifications , you just do what you can do up to a certain point ,” Storry added .
Over time , those who practice will learn to control their breathing , develop an awareness for and control of their bodies while building strength and flexibility without the use of weight bearing exercises .
“ It ’ s a challenge , every time you go it gets a little easier , you learn to control your breathing , you learn to control your body , when to back off and when to go a little further and you feel good for it ,” Storry said .
“ Because it makes you feel good , you just get addicted to that feeling that you just start being more conscious ,” Merlet said .
Practiced correctly , it ’ s a safe bet for individuals with depression and anxiety , back problems , shoulder and knee injuries and more .
“ We ’ ve seen so many miracles through this , to be getting off of kidney dialysis , now they ’ re fine . They were told they were going to die if they get off of it and they came to yoga ,” Merlet said .
The classes run at 1.5 hours long Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p . m . and Saturdays at 9 a . m . At The Shire is located at 215 Four Notch Road in Huntsville .
24 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | WINTER 2021