The fifth annual Free Day of Yoga will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, in the fellowship hall of United Methodist Temple at 201 Templeview Drive in Beckley.

Classes are being taught by area yoga teachers as a way to introduce new students to the practice of yoga as well as to bring together the growing number of yoga practitioners in the community. Students of all levels, including beginners and those who are curious about yoga but have never tried it, are invited to participate.

“Yoga has been one of the fastest growing trends in health and fitness over the last 10 years, with almost 18 million Americans now practicing some form of yoga,” said Kelli Whitfield, who will be one of the instructors. “Once only practiced in dedicated studios, yoga is now available in health and fitness clubs, community centers and even schools. Classes can target specific populations, such as kids, seniors or athletes, or even specific therapeutic applications such as backs and hips.”

According to Whitfield, yoga is an ancient practice that uses a series of poses called asanas to help strengthen the body, increase stamina and improve flexibility and balance. A typical yoga class includes standing and balancing poses, side bends and twists, forward and back bends as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. Each joint is moved through its full range of motion, removing tension and stiffness from the body and helping to increase mobility. Aside from the physical benefits, yoga students often find that practice helps them release stress and improve their ability to relax and concentrate.

“There is not just one way to practice yoga, however. In fact, there are many different styles. Some yoga is physically challenging and athletic, while other styles focus on relaxation and meditation. Even within a style of yoga, teachers will have their own approach and may emphasize different aspects of the practice,” Whitfield said.

At the Free Day of Yoga, a variety of classes will be taught, giving attendees the opportunity to experience different styles of yoga. In each class, teachers will introduce yoga poses, demonstrate proper positioning of the body and explain the various benefits of a pose. The format will be casual and interactive, allowing teachers to take the time to assist students with postures and enabling students to ask any questions they may have.

Whitfield and fellow organizer Tom Hamilton encourage those who may be curious about yoga to use this day of free classes to give yoga a try. “No experience is necessary to participate,” Whitfield said. “The great thing about yoga is that it really is for everyone. Yoga poses can be modified to accommodate people of all ages, body types and levels of fitness.”

“We are thrilled to bring back the Free Day of Yoga for a fifth year,” Hamilton said. “I encourage regular students as well as those new to yoga to attend. Yoga is a practice that tends to build community. We hope that events like Free Day of Yoga can help increase awareness of yoga’s benefits and let people know where they can go in this area to start or further develop their practice.”

Participants are asked to arrive early, wear loose comfortable clothes so they can move easily, have a stomach that is neither too full nor too empty, bring water, bring a yoga mat, plan to go at their own pace and respect the limits of their body and remember that most yoga moves are done barefoot.

For more information, call Hamilton at 252-0715. Fliers of class schedules will be posted and released soon.