CELEBRATING MOTHERS IN STYLE WITH YOGA

There are many benefits to practicing yoga, and perhaps you have been on the fence about trying it out. Well, let us share our experience when we celebrated Mother’s Day with a special yoga session here in Washington, DC. The WFWP Washington DC Chapter celebrated Mother’s Day on May 20 with an introductory yoga class. The presenter was Galina Gorenoux, a professional Yoga Instructor who has been teaching yoga for eighteen years. She now teaches yoga at Washington Sports Clubs (WSC), at three locations in Washington DC.

Galina was born in Ukraine. She graduated from Republican National University in Yoga Therapy. She then went on to complete a teacher training program in America called YogaFit that blends balance, strength, and flexibility in a practical, user-friendly style of yoga.

Before beginning the yoga exercise, Galina explained that Hatha Yoga is an old system that includes the practice of Asanas (yoga postures), and pranayama (breathing exercises). Together they help bring peace to the mind and body. She emphasized how important breathing is when doing each and every stretch, and how important a positive attitude is and being happy. She said yoga helps the practitioner to be happy, healthy, and at peace. She encouraged everyone to find a yoga class near their home to excise at least three times a week to live a happy healthy longer life. At age 70, she looked as though she was not a day over 50! We could not believe the yoga postures she could do.

Some of us had knee pain when we started; but by the end of the class we were feeling better. The class was small and intimate, about nine ladies and one girl. The ladies wanted to have a class every week; but Galina cannot come because she is busy teaching yoga at the Washington Sports Clubs. However, she did invite us to attend her class once as a guest. For those who cannot afford to join the club, she suggested making an effort to find a cheaper yoga place near where they live.

We had refreshments afterwards and a good discussion. It was indeed a wonderful celebration of mothers.