National Yoga Month | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 9/4/2011

September is national yoga month. It`s an exercise known for helping people reach greater clarity and peace of mind. It`s even been proven to lower people`s blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce stress.

Bismarck yoga instructor Melissa Doherty says those who are flexible oftentimes attend a yoga cass to build strength and those who are strong are looking to become more flexible. She says yoga is a good way to open up your chest and hamstrings and release tension. She teaches power yoga, which focuses less on meditation and more on strength and flexibility. Doherty says a lot of her students are athletes looking to supplement what they`re already doing. And others are just looking to lose weight and be more energized.

"My day starts very early and goes pretty late with laundry and all that stuff so definitely looking for as much energy as I can get," said Jacey Graner, who attends yoga classes.

Doherty said, "We try to let the rest of the day go and we always cue that in the beginning of class is this is your time. This is your space. Let the rest of your day go and be present in the present moment and that is with any style of yoga is to try and relax for that time whether or not you`re physically active in that practice or you`re in a more zen like relaxation class, you`re still trying to be present."

Doherty began practing yoga after she had her fist kid and was suffering from a tight back.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY