By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A GENTLER form of yoga is rapidly gaining popularity around Australia and helping people of all ages and abilities in Pakenham.
Dru yoga brings a more holistic approach to the ancient tradition, offering benefits for the mind, body and spirit.
Sandra Reed holds dru yoga classes at the Outlook Community Centre each week and said her students appreciate the well-rounded approach.
“Dru yoga was developed so that everyone could do yoga. It’s adaptable for all ages and abilities, for people with illness or injury and for older people,” she said.
“It involves posture work for strength and mobility, breathing techniques and concentrates on the chemistry in the body.”
As well as relaxation, it can assist in the management of major injuries and can even be practiced while sitting in a chair.
“Many of the people currently enjoying the classes have bad backs, knees, hips or shoulders and have found their injuries are less painful from practicing yoga on a weekly basis,” Sandra said.
“It can lead to better strength and mobility and a calmer and clearer mind. I also find that it helps people to de-stress and let go of anxiety or depression.”
The class finishes with time set aside for participants to relax and focusing on breaking while tensing each individual muscle.
Since becoming accredited to teach dru yoga in 2012, Sandra has worked with people of all ages and abilities at Outlook.
She said people appreciate the more gentle approach of dru yoga.
“People come out of normal yoga feeling sore but this type of yoga is available to everybody,” she said.
“It’s a very comfortable environment and becomes a support group. Everyone works to understand each other’s physical and emotional needs.”
