Three Levels of Hatha Yoga Classes to Be Offered at Penn College

Hatha yoga classes addressing three levels of practice will begin the week of Aug. 23 at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The three noncredit courses, which are being offered through Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College, are for beginning intermediate and regular practitioners.

"Yoga is a powerful form of exercise that is great for improving many aspects of a person's physical and emotional well-being," said Tom Woodson, WDCE coordinator and facilitator for the courses. "It's a wonderful way to stay healthy, feel good, lessen stress and prevent the buildup of toxins that can lead to disease."

"Everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the practice of hatha yoga, because it is open to people of all ages and levels of physical condition," Woodson added. "Practitioners are often surprised to find that they're building much more than a strong, flexible body."

Loose-fitting clothing or tights are recommended for the sessions (shorts and a T-shirt are preferred), and participants should bring a blanket, thick towel and a strap or belt to class (a yoga mat and a strap are preferable).

The sessions will be held on the Penn College campus three nights a week for six weeks. The cost is $40. To register or receive more information, call (570) 327-4775 or register online.

Course descriptions are as follows:

Introduction to Yoga A Beginning Practice CON 292 Mondays, 5 to 6:30 p.m. No previous experience is necessary for this introductory-level class. This general overview will examine yoga practice as it relates to posture, balance, flexibility, strength, skeletal and muscular integrity, health benefits, relieving tension, and the restorative qualities of hatha yoga asana.

Introduction to Yoga Part 2 Foundation PracticeCON 293 Tuesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m. This will be a continuation and expansion of fundamental hatha yoga asana for a solid foundation practice. Each class will include asana (posture) practice and deep relaxation.

Hatha Yoga Asana Developing a Regular Practice CON 513 Thursdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m. These sessions will provide a regular intensive hatha yoga practice for those that have a regular yoga practice (previous experience is necessary). These challenging sessions will include a review of the fundamental asana and a broader examination of yogasana. The course explores a variety of sequences derived from 44 asana to develop flexibility, strength and balance.