By Linnea Sheldon

Thirty-five year old Lauren Carlotto has been practicing yoga since she was in her mid-twenties. She initially began her career as a Pilates instructor before beginning training for her current position as a Registered Yoga Teacher and the owner of Sunbird Yoga Studio at 126 June Street in Worcester.

Yoga and yoga instruction have become her passion. “Noticing the personal benefits, both physical and mental, I decided to complete my 200 Hour Yoga Alliance,” she said. “A great yoga class helps people to become aware of their environment, aware of their mind, body, and breath and encourages letting go of competition with themselves and others, in class and outside of class.”

Carlotto points out that there are so many different styles of yoga that there really is something for everybody. Some focus more on movement, others on breath and stretching. “I would consider Yoga more of a personal experience so actually describing it would be difficult. A yoga practice teaches awareness of the body through focusing the mind sometimes through physical movement or postures and sometimes through being still and meditating,” she explained

As for the many benefits of yoga, Carlotto points out that regular yoga practice increases flexibility of the body and the mind. She also said that by keeping the breath and the body moving you reduce stress and increase energy levels. The physical and mental benefits of yoga range from general health and wellness to weight loss, relief from back pain and depression, recuperating from illness, and recovery from physical or emotional trauma, as well as prevention of ailments associated with life in general.

“Sunbird Yoga classes assist in reducing stress if stress exists and even better, teach skills to prevent stress by encouraging students to be patient, slow down, and breath through situations they may find challenging,” she said. “Staying completely focused, letting go of frustrations, distractions and events going on outside of the time in class is truly what makes this practice wonderful and its benefits wide ranging and long lasting.”

She does recommend consulting your physician before starting any exercise program. “Well trained yoga teachers understand how the physical movements of yoga interact with the physical body and would be willing to discuss their style of yoga with an individual while offering modifications to postures and teaching the student how to pace themselves during a class,” she explained.

For more information on classes, visit Subird Yoga at www.sunbirdyoga.com

or contact Lauren at 508-756-5813.