If you’re among the majority of The Becoming Center members, a health and wellness center for older adults, who suffer from arthritis pain or discomfort, yoga may offer you moderate to significant relief. According to Lois A Hitt, a certified yoga teacher of almost 40 years, yoga poses, deep breathing and relaxation significantly reduces joint tenderness and swelling for people with arthritis. A study funded by the Arthritis Foundation and conducted by scientists from Johns Hopkins University found this to be true. Lois also says yoga benefits people with stiff joints due to arthritis, because the stretching exercises help improve range of motion and flexibility. Other studies have found yoga plays an important role in reducing stress and frustration resulting from pain and disability, and it is known to increase positive feelings and well being.
At The Becoming Center, located in Ambler, Lois’s yoga classes begin with deep breathing, continue with stretching and yoga poses, and end with a soothing, deep relaxation. Her study of therapeutic yoga over the last 12 years helps to modify yoga poses as needed to accommodate for limitations due to arthritis. She is quick to emphasize to her class members that a yoga practice should be pain-free. “The general rule for all students in my yoga classes is if hurts, stop. No pain. No pain,” Lois said.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any yoga regiment, to ensure you are fit enough to exercise and that yoga is right for you. The Becoming Center’s Yoga Instructor, Lois A. Hitt, also serves as Adjunct Professor in the College of Health Professions with Temple University where she teaches yoga and meditation. She is available to answer any questions you may have about your individual needs at 610-239-8699 or loisahitt@wellcoregroup.com.
The Becoming Center offers the following Yoga classes: Beginner 1 & 2, Intermediate & Advanced Classes offer a progression of stretching and meditative techniques available for beginner, intermediate and advanced-level individuals. Check out our class schedule for days and times.
Since 1994, the Becoming Center has offered personalized, comprehensive, preventive and restorative holistic wellness for active adults seeking to improve their fitness and overall well-being. For nearly two decades we have helped hundreds of individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. The Becoming Center offers you a variety of services and amenities to suit your individual needs and health objectives including a fully-equipped gym, heated pool, yoga and exercise room, as well as private treatment rooms for alternative therapies and massage. Our professional staff is committed to helping you reach and maintain your wellness goals and will inspire you to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit.
Click here for more information or call 215-643-9908.
