What It Is: Breathe

Written by Alyssa Shapiro
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 13:20

Time and again I have learned that knocking myself out at the gym is not a long-term plan for me. Despite all the statistics and rah-rahs, you must be able to prevail at this activity, or it’s another wasted gym membership.

For years I was a swimmer but never enjoyed doing laps much. It was virtuous but there was the bother of getting wet, changing gear, and winter parking lots. Plus pool water is murder on your hair and skin. For me and for the millions, yoga is a better option.

My introduction to yoga was in college back in the Jurassic Age, before yoga became mainstream. I attended class and was assigned a book by, of all names, Ruth Bender. Our instructor introduced us to basic poses, and at the end of class we relaxed and meditated to a tape playing ocean waves. Our instructor encouraged us to drink tea and not overindulge during a time when burgers, coffee, and cigarettes were the primary choice of undergraduates.

It was so simple: we wore loose, comfortable clothing, and no further purchases, although bringing a towel was helpful. Yoga bestowed me a better endorphin high than swimming did, and with less fuss. I didn’t need to go out in artic temperatures while still damp; yoga was dry and warm. And I could take it to the next level if I had a post-class cappuccino, to nirvana. In town, classmates made eye contact and that dreamy, knowing smile the yoga people give.

Enter the 21st Century and yoga is on the forefront of society. Classes are on every corner and “asana” a household word. Although women outnumber men in classes, men are deeply appreciated as classmates.Tip: Guys, if you want to be noticed, go to yoga.

People who are into yoga embrace knickknacks from the third world; shoes crafted from hemp and recycled transistor parts. Simplistic furniture made from sustainable (but otherwise ugly) wood. Their decorative accessories favor a nod from Buddha. See ankle bracelets on post-menopausal women and toe rings on arch-conservative types. And then there are the tattoos. If anyone was on the fence about getting a tattoo, yoga practitioners seem to lose all inhibitions to that end.

Yoga’s enormous popularity coincides with the green movement and eco-conscious style, boosting it even higher on the trend watch. Candles with aroma blends named peace and water. Zen fountains bubble and lull us away from our busy-ness, offering a little tinkling oasis: our time out from digital screens and traffic. A bamboo plant placed in proper feng shui assures our success. And smooth pebbled etched with “patience” or “friendship” remind of what we hope to attain in this lifestyle.

The uber yoga suburbanite arrives to class wearing $500 worth of stuff with every bell and whistle. She accessorizes with $20,000 DeBeers sparkle, although is sensitive enough to wear an unbleached wool shawl, listen to Peruvian pipe music, and read haiku. She drinks vitamin water from a recycled metal vessel, imprinted with an Asian motif.

Some yoga aspirants just aren’t walking the walk when they burst into class late, blurt apologies, and have the cell phone no-no. All yoga asks is to settle down for an hour; is that asking too much? Perhaps these busy types would be better off back on the Stairmaster where they can hear music, watch TV, and chat with neighbors.

As for the mob, are they really going to — or coming from — practice? Or is yoga style mixing up the posers and the poseurs? Stretchy clothes are emblazoned with lotus and dragons. It is an improvement over the Nike swoosh.

The more hectic our lifestyle becomes, the more we need to retreat for balance. Hard core workouts are best suited for strong, fit, and enthusiastic types. Power to them. But for some of us, a kinder, gentler process works best. In this you will find fitness, peace, and quiet.

Alyssa may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .