Yoga, a practice involving postures, breathing techniques and meditation, has grown in popularity over the years. Practitioners say it promotes harmony between the body, mind and spirit.  

Originating in India more than 5,000 years ago, practitioners often describe yoga as a means to achieve peace, calmness, balance, strength, flexibility and relaxation. Experts say that in 2023, over 34 million people in the United States practiced yoga.

During January, people of many backgrounds across the country take part in Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity, also known as Surya Namaskar Yajna. Participants practice in yoga centers, community organizations, schools, colleges and sometimes alone.  

Organizer Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) reports that the Yogathon has attracted attention from American mayors, governors, U.S. congress members and senators. In 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama recognized HSS as a partner in the Let’s Move initiative.

Over time, yoga has evolved into a widely practiced exercise and stress-relief tool. Yoga has numerous benefits. According to the National Library of Medicine, yoga improves relaxation, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces stress, improves concentration, improves coordination, enhances self-confidence, improves sleep and aids digestion.  

Yoga can also improve strength, balance and flexibility, help with back pain, increase mental and physical energy and foster a supportive environment, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

There are various types of yoga. Iyengar yoga emphasizes precision and alignment; Ashtanga yoga involves fast-paced postures and breath work; Vinyasa yoga features long, deep stretching to improve flexibility; Bikram yoga, practiced in hot and humid environments, develops strength, flexibility and muscle tone; Hatha focuses on strength, flexibility, breathing and meditation, which is often known to be less vigorous and the class most beginners take. Many more types exist.

Pink Lotus Yoga Center, located at 711 E. Main St., J-1, in Lexington, aims to “create a welcoming and supportive sanctuary where individuals can explore transformative power of yoga.” The center is dedicated to fostering a non-competitive, nonjudgmental environment and offers numerous classes for individuals, according to the yoga center's website.

At Pink Lotus, a drop-in class costs $25. A membership costs $99 a month, a 10-class pass for in-studio and live online sessions costs $200. A one-month unlimited package for both in-studio and live online classes costs $108. The center also provides a two-hour class on Lake Murray that costs $45.

The studio provides private yoga on-site for $100 per hour, while private sessions at other locations start at $150. The Pink Lotus website mentions that private sound baths and swing classes are also available.

A new six-week series called “Breathe and Begin” started on Jan. 8.  Here, participants learn the foundations of breath and movement, exploring asanas (poses), building strength and flexibility, mindfulness and meditation, while developing a personal practice. The series takes place on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., with optional practice on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. The package costs $175.

For more information about Pink Lotus Yoga Center, visit https://pinklotusyogacenter.com/.

HOTWORX, located at 918 D. N. Lake Drive in Lexington, offers hot yoga. Participants engage in 30-minute workouts with up to three members per session. Here, they use foundational postures, balancing sequences and end with core conditioning. For more information, visit https://www.hotworx.net/about-hotworx.

There are many other studios across Lexington County and surrounding areas as well.