Pranayama is a sanskrit word that means control (yama) of the life force (prana). It is also commonly used to describe various yogic breathing exercises that help give the practitioner control of the life force, or pranayama. It was originally expounded by Patanjali, an ancient Hindu philosopher and yogi, in his Yoga Sutras, a text on yoga philosophy and practices.

This class is appropriate for Yoga beginners, runners, seniors and those with limitations due to injuries and surgery, as well as anyone else looking for a venue for stress relief and to improve breathing. A gradual unfolding and expansion is accomplished with deep breathing in conjunction with yoga postures; the pace is quite moderate and relaxed. Deep Yogic breathing (Pranayama) facilitates the unfolding via deep internal expansion/contraction associated with the breath; breath awareness also generates a peaceful and focused state of mind.

More information: See Yoga Journal