The Absolute Yoga Studio - Woodland Hills, CA

The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language used in Hindu liturgy and ritual in much the same way Latin was used in the Catholic Church for 1,900 years. This isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds; the Latin word iugum, from which we get the word “yoke” – a device used once used to harness oxen and mules to the plow.

 

In fact, the literal meaning of “yoga” is to join or harness. At The Absolute, a yoga training center in Woodland Hills, California and on the World Wide Web at http://theabsoluteyoga.com, clients learn to join all aspects of themselves, encompassing mind, body and spirit, as they harness spiritual and physical energy for greater well-being. In addition to instruction in yoga, The Absolute offers classes in the Pilates Method and Gyrotonic®.

There are several different forms of yoga training available to clients at The Absolute. Hatha (meaning “determined effort”) Yoga is a more rigorous form, ultimately requiring the mastery of various physical postures and breathing techniques. These techniques result in a greater sense of overall well-being, improved strength and coordination and increased awareness and ability to concentrate.

 

Kundalini (“Awareness”) Yoga uses classic postures, coordination of breath and movement in combination with sound and meditation. In addition to mental energy and achieving inner calm, this form of yoga confers many benefits to the immune, nervous and glandular systems. Kundalini Yoga is an effective way to reduce stress as well as control weight and stop smoking. Unique variations of Kundalini offered by the staff at The Absolute include Mommy & Me Yoga, a style that is of great help for new parents and their babies, and Pre-Natal Yoga for expectant mothers.

 

For those with basic knowledge of yoga postures, Vinyasa (“movement”) flow combines slow movement and breath control to build “inner heat” and strength.

 

Pilates is a unique form of exercise designed to strengthen body muscles from the inside out. Developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, these exercises are a low-impact way to increase range of motion, flexibility and core muscular stability while increasing oxygen capacity. Gyrotonic® comes from the Greek words gyro, meaning spiral, and tonikos, meaning to invigorate. Gyrotonic® exercise combines elements of yoga, tai-chi, ballet, martial arts, and weight training, using special equipment that is designed especially for the human body. This equipment assists the client in guiding their movements with resistance along more natural, circular pathways. The results include a higher level of neuromuscular efficiency and strength as well as increased cardio-vascular ability. Gyrotonic® sessions are tailored to the physical condition, age and ability of the individual, and are therefore suitable for all persons.

 

Pricing at $10 for introductory classes. Prospective clients can visit The Absolute on the World Wide Web and learn more about the center’s offerings as well as the staff. In addition, interested parties can take an on-line “virtual tour” of the facilities (Quicktime browser plug-in required).