Did you know the word yoga means “union” in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit? It’s not surprising. To practice yoga is to bring together the mind, body and spirit through postures, breathing and meditation.

Just about everyone can practice yoga. Although it is used primarily to maintain physical health, it is a great way to achieve inner peace, clarity and enlightenment. Yoga can also improve flexibility and balance, increase muscle tone and strength, decrease stress, reduce sports injuries and ease chronic pain.

May Help Control Diabetes
Performing yoga postures in a relaxed manner, with meditation and breathing, can also help individuals with diabetes improve their blood sugar levels, according to recent studies. This is because the practice of postures can rejuvenate the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

“While yoga cannot “cure” diabetes, it can complement the lifestyle changes needed to keep the symptoms of diabetes under control,” says Marc Sandberg, MD, Medical Director of the Diabetes Health Center at Hunterdon Medical Center.

Yoga Classes Every Friday
The Hunterdon Medical Center offers yoga every Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C at Hunterdon Medical Center. Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor Lynne C. LaSpina, CYT, RYT, teaches the classes. Cost is $5 per session for 30 minutes or $10 for 60 minutes.

Please bring a yoga mat and towel to class and make sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. The class is open to anyone interested in yoga, but space is limited.

To pre-register for yoga, call the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at 908-237-6920.