BY DEBORAH J. BOTTI
For Inside Health

When the original masters first brought yoga to this country from from India, their observation was that Americans think too much.

James A. Caruso, founder of the Mid Hudson School of Yoga in New Windsor explains, "There's too much energy going to the mind. When you're on vacation at the seashore, you breathe that wonderful air. You think happy thoughts; your mind relaxes … but how long does that last after you come home?"

The balance of body, breath and mind which those who practice yoga strive for -helps promote health and vitality, even while surrounded by everyday stresses and challenges, the experts say.

"Yoga alleviates anxiety," says Chrissy Fulciniti, yoga instructor and co-owner of Gold's Gym in Middletown. "When I'm stressed at home, I throw my mat down and start moving. Soon, that sense of peace returns. I feel calm."

MANAGE THE AGING PROCESS –GRACEFULLY

"That ability to find peace in a hectic world, and access that feeling almost anywhere through the use of breath, elevates yoga from a form of staying fit to a lifestyle," she says.

It's easier to make better choices throughout the day when you're not reacting to, or emotional about, those daily triggers. Food choices are better. Beverage choices are better. Perhaps word and tone-of-word choices are better.

"We first strive for a mastery of one's self, which evolves into conducting one's self in life," says Caruso. "When you're in balance, there is an inner strength," he says. "You feel good … and you have greater power to do what you want. This improved health and vitality can be interpreted as youthful"

The yoga masters acknowledge that the body will inevitably age, but the aging process can be managed -gracefully.

NEVER TOO LATE TO TRY YOGA

Local experts agree that it's never too late to start, although there are many people who are intimidated by the postures as well as the flexibility that seems to be required.

Fulciniti teaches a free-style form of yoga called vinyasa flow. She actually fell into it quite accidentally about seven years ago, when a high-impact cardio class was canceled and she opted for yoga instead. "I was already teaching fitness," she says. "But something about yoga clicked -not only with my body and breath, but with my mind and spirit."

And so her own journey began. "At 42, I'm in the best shape of my life because of yoga…. I feel so good, so healthy, that, of course, I only put good things into my body -unlike the days when a cardio workout would leave me starving for high-calorie foods."

She is certified in viniyoga, the appropriate application of the tools of yoga -breath, movement, sound and meditation for any age or stage of life, as well as ashtanga yoga, a more physical form. She also brings to the class her 25 years in fitness, as well as her love of dance.

GET INTO YOUR OWN ZONE

"You dance with your breath, flowing from one posture to another," she says. "I believe anybody can do it just to their level. We all have a dance in us, and when given the proper tools and guidance, we can dance."

She encourages beginners to spend time with her before or after class so she can introduce them to some of the postures. Then they'll work at their own pace.

"Everyone gets into their own zone," she says. "It doesn't even look like they're all in the same class."

While beginners often don't have the fluidity of motion or the ability to do certain postures, with each inhale and exhale of breath, they are able to continue their own journeys.

"It can be a cathartic experience. I've had students cry," she says. "And there's such acceptance within the class that allows for personal expression." "I was stiff as a board when I started," says Caruso, whose background is in martial arts. He studied for 14 years with yoga masters from India and still considers himself a student. About 180 students attend his school, where he teaches what he calls traditional yoga, wherein he has synthesized the different systems that he's studied.

Most students are women, although he says more and more men are quashing their belief that they're not flexible enough and awakening to yoga's benefits. He expects the male/female ratio to be 5O/50 a decade from now.

There's even an octogenarian in his class, although most students range in age from the 30s to the 70s.

"We'll meet you at your ability level. You can start at any point -your 40s or 50s, even if you haven't been very active," he says. "Safety is our No.1 concern. Those who are more fit will move through the fundamental programs faster."

STRONGER BODY, SHARPER MIND

Caruso says he teaches the science of yoga with a goal of having each student reach the individual highest level of health and happiness. Regular practice strengthens every muscle in the body, including the face. The use of different positions also strengthens the internal organ systems respiration, circulation, digestion, etc.

"The more you open your body, the more breath you take in," Caruso says. "We're more undernourished in breath than in food."

Breath, he says, is the basic energy so critical to lower stress, higher metabolism and improved overall health.

As the entire body becomes stronger, as breath increases, the mind becomes sharper, more focused and patient.

And isn't this really what youthful vigor is all about?

• Golds Gym
• 15 Industrial Drive
• Middletown NY 10941
• 845-344-4653

Summer 2009 Inside Health

http://www.goldsgym.com/middletownny

• Convenience of session times made by appointment .
• It can help you to move towards a specific physical goal such as increased flexibility, balance, or strength; target problem areas like tight hips, hamstrings, weak core strength, or increase your mental focus in a particular sport or activity.
• Increase your aerobic capacity without the stress of impact
• You want to get started in yoga without being overwhelmed, intimidated, or judged.
• You have a practice but want to move on to the next level.
• Improve your alignment, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination .
• Decrease Stress & Anxiety.
• You have injuries or health concerns .
• Relieve back pain and other chronic pain .
• Increase muscle tone.
• Stabilize your sleeping patterns .
• Experience vitality .
• Specific therapeutic benefits for stress and emotional difficulties

Contact Chrissy at: yoga@goldsmiddletown.com

http://www.goldsgym.com/middletownny

Golds Gym

845-344-4653

15 Industrial Drive

Middletown NY 10941