What is Yoga?

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning "to join or yoke", or "to unite". It is essentially a spiritual discipline based on subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body via breath.

The benefits of yoga are limitless. Medical experts agree that physical movement, breath work, and meditation can help moderate the nervous system in ways that reduce anxiety and activate the body's natural healing ability.

Yoga classes at Lake Norman Tai Chi Center

Yoga is part of the comprehensive health and wellness programs at Lake Norman Tai Chi Center. Based on Indian, Tibetan and Chinese Yoga traditions, our classes focus on aligning breath and mind through physical practice that brings your attention inward and enhances the mind and spirit as well as the body.

All students are welcome to attend Yoga classes, regardless of experience. We’re here for you, whatever your age or fitness level. We modify postures and poses for each individual student’s level of strength and flexibility. So, if you need to sit in a chair for class, we’ll help you get the most out of your chair practice. And if you are an experienced yogi, we’ll guide you in deepening your breath and challenging you to make continual personal progress.

You gotta do Yoga for you. Dale Saufley

For class days and times, please see the schedule.

Your instructor

Dale Saufley is a certified Yoga and Tai Chi instructor who specializes in movement and breath for the injured and elderly. She teaches Unity Yoga, adapted from Universal Yoga by Yogini Mara Healey, and Chinese Yoga practices such as the Yi Jin Jing. She is also certified to teach for the Veterans Yoga Program.

Book Your Free Class!

Do you want to know if yoga and tai chi are right for you? Discover the benefits for yourself and how Lake Norman Tai Chi Center can help you reach your goals by taking a free, no obligation, Introductory Tai Chi Class.

FAQs

Yes they are.

Yoga classes are included in the Mastery Program. They are an additional $25 / month in the Trial Program.

Bring a water bottle, a towel and a yoga mat if needed. Chairs are available for seated yoga. Note: We have yoga blocks, mats, and other props available for sale.

Yes. Yoga is a life-long art that can be modified as needed for injuries. Let us know about your injury before class so we can help you with modifications. If nothing else, do what you can while seated and still get the benefit of the group instruction.

While there are many styles of tai chi, qigong and yoga, what these three arts have in common are movement, breath and focus. At Lake Norman Tai Chi Center, you will practice both qigong (chee gung) and tai chi during Tai Chi class.

Tai chi is practiced by doing a series of movements in continuous motion, such as the tai chi solo form, and qigong is practiced by repeating specific movements for several minutes in order to get the chi moving. By comparison, yoga practice consists of holding postures for 30 seconds to a full minute, and may include sitting postures.

If you want to know more, just ask! It’s our favorite subject! There are also centuries worth of thought on these arts available online and at your local library.