Yoga Center of Lawrence students practice the downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

When you hear the word yoga, what do you imagine? Seated meditation and scented candles? Young people stretching themselves into impossible shapes? These are popular images, but the truth is that yoga is much more than sitting quietly and it does not require flexibility and youth.

Yoga has a long history and much of the yoga we practice today is based on an eight-limbed path or philosophy that developed in India. The two limbs taught in a typical yoga class are called asana and pranayama. Asana (ah-suh-nuh) refers to physical poses that assist in integrating the mind and body. Some common yoga poses you might have heard of are downward-facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) and tree pose (vrksasana).

Another limb, pranayama (prah-nuh-yah-muh), is often taught as an integral part of doing yoga poses. Basically, it means breath control. You can practice breath control while seated and use it as a part of meditation practice. You can also practice breath control while doing yoga poses. For example, an instructor might tell you to exhale as you bend forward, or inhale as you lift your arms upward.

A typical yoga class will last for 50 to 120 minutes and will begin with a short breath control practice. The instructor will ask you to sit quietly for a few minutes. This will help you to relax and focus your attention on the present. Now that you feel calm and controlled, it is time to start doing yoga poses. The instructor will guide you through a series of yoga poses for the remainder of the class. Poses can range from standing up straight with your legs apart and arms straight out to each side, to more advanced poses like headstand. The class will end with a calming pose where you lay on the floor and concentrate on your breathing.

Think you can handle the breathing, but still not sure about the poses? Anyone can do yoga poses. You do not have to be flexible or even in shape. Introductory level yoga classes will only include simple poses and the instructor will help you modify the poses so they are appropriate for you. Ready to give it a try? Start with an introductory class and be open to trying different styles of yoga. You just might like it!

Ashly LoBurgio Basgall is a student at the Yoga Center of Lawrence.