Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A class now being offered at the Quest Center on the Caribou Road may just be what the doctor ordered to help you deal with the stress that accompanies the holiday season or any stressful times you may have throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of Linda Rowe
Instructor Linda Rowe demonstrates one of the stretches she teaches at her yoga class.
Linda Rowe, a certified yoga instructor, has been teaching yoga for several years. She currently has several openings in the class, held weekly.
“I received my certification from Yoga Spirit Studios in Essex, Mass. I participate in professional development and have also been studying a sister science to yoga called ayurveda, defined as the science of life – living well,” said Rowe. “I’ve been practicing yoga for over 13 years.”
Classes are scheduled to begin Dec. 13.
“I’m welcoming anyone with an interest in yoga and self-care. Yoga is a form of preventative health care. Each class is 90 minutes and begins with a centering meditation warmup to get joints warmed up,” said Rowe.
Next, Rowe leads participants through a series of stretches and movements that focus on standing postures, forward and backward bends, balancing and hip openers.
“We end the class with nice relaxation techniques,” said Rowe.
Rowe advises students to wear loose, comfortable clothing, with an extra layer for relaxation time.
“Stress is linked to many major diseases in some percentage or another. Western medicine is now showing yoga and other forms of exercise help people to keep their stress down and, in turn, help keep them healthy,” Rowe noted.
She recently completed an eight-week stress reduction clinic at Cary Medical Center in Caribou.
For Rowe, stress is the big thing.
“People are stuck in the myths about yoga. I’m a registered yoga teacher, who teaches an eclectic mix of styles,” said Rowe. “It’s a relaxing form of exercise that helps individuals learn techniques they can use anywhere – at work, at home, in the car – to reduce daily stress.”
Rowe said many of us realize we’re stressed but aren’t practiced at using tools – such as yoga and other forms of exercise – to manage and cope with our stress.
“The thing about yoga – it doesn’t require much, basically just a yoga matt. Otherwise, it just requires practice. Classes focus on breathing techniques and quieting the mind,” explained Rowe.
According to Rowe, thoughts are often create the stress we feel.
“I like to say ‘the body can’t tell the difference between being chased by a deadly lion or being chased by a bear. It reacts the same either way,” said Rowe.
There are things we can do throughout the day that can alleviate many stress-related symptoms.
“What we do during our day can make a big difference. I emphasize the importance of stretch breaks. Just step outside if you can to breath fresh air,” Rowe said.
Yoga can play a major role in helping individuals reduce their daily stress.
“Yoga is a very big piece of the puzzle. That’s what makes it cost effective – you’re doing it yourself,” explained Rowe.
Classes begin just in time to help participants learn ways to deal with holiday stress. Sessions run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Route 1 facility, just north of Presque Isle.
“There’s plenty of room at the facility. We’re a very welcoming group. We have a mix of levels, based on abilities and knowledge. Classes teach effective ways to deal with stress and how physical alignment helps. Yoga is something that you can take into every day,” said Rowe.
As a former administrator, Rowe said she sees the practical use of yoga for anyone, whether in the workforce or not.
“As an administrator, reducing daily stress is about efficiency. It’s good for people who like to multitask,” explained Rowe.
Classes cost $34 per month. For more information, visit www.fehac.com; 5 Elements Healing Arts Center, 106 Main St., Suite J, Houlton, ME 04730; or call 551-4055.
Come Christmas, why not give the gift of yoga with gift certificates good for the coming year.
“We have gift certificates for the new year, just in time to give for the stressful holiday season,” said Rowe. “Why not share the gift of yoga with a friend or loved one.”
