This is the first in a five-part series about aqua yoga.  

When the dog days of summer are upon us, I find myself drawn to the water.  Even when it’s too hot for many people to want to be outside– much less exercise outside– aqua yoga offers an opportunity to move your body, still your mind, and relieve stress.  And for an evening workout to wind down your day, aqua yoga can’t be beat.

Ask anyone who has a regular yoga practice, and they’ll likely tell you that yoga helps them feel balanced.  Because yoga emphasizes the link between breath and body, most people find that they are more calm and focused with a regular practice.  The science behind the yoga and stress relief connection is starting to be documented, too.  It turns out all of your friends who claim yoga makes them feel “centered” aren’t just making it up!

Individuals who often feel otherwise marginalized by traditional yoga can be confident that aqua yoga is an inclusive, supportive way for them to establish and cultivate their mind-body connection.  What is possible in the water is incredibly encouraging. When done in community with other women, aqua yoga builds community. It draws on the feminine water element to create connection.

For many people, though, a standard mat practice can be challenging or intimidating.  Aqua Kriya Yoga, however, offers a practice that allows people to feel buoyant, enjoy the hydrostatic pressure against the body, take pressure off of joints, and experiment with balance through familiar and slightly-modified asana.

While an aqua yoga practice is refreshing in hot summers, it shouldn’t be limited to just one season.  It’s a fantastic year-round compliment to any busy lifestyle with wellness at the center.  It’s calming, centering dynamic makes it a perfect choice for an evening workout.

There are numerous nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned from both my personal aqua yoga practice and feedback from students. Most importantly, it’s that aqua yoga sounds easy. In reality, it is not. It offers a challenge to both body and mind.

Read other Aqua Yoga posts to fully appreciate the numerous benefits you can enjoy:

Buoyancy and Balance

Changing the Planes

Finding the Goddess

Pranyama in the Pool

Not in Austin?  To find an aqua yoga class near you, check out Aqua Kriya Yoga’s class listings nationwide.  There are now classes in many states, and it’s going international!  Come see why so many people find their mind-body bliss with the combination of water and yoga.