ST. GEORGE – Downtown Yoga hosted their annual yoga day Saturday, and continued raising money for charities in need. Patrons are invited to try out yoga, taught by licensed instructors, and donate what they can for the chosen cause throughout the day.

This year, the selected organization was Big Brothers Big Sisters. Last year, the Downtown Yoga staff was able to raise over $400 for Dixie Care and Share, and hopes are high for raising even more this year.

“Yoga is more than coming to class each week,” Jessamy Bowie, Co-owner and instructor, said. “It’s in all aspects of our lives. A big part of yoga is selfless service.”

Both owners of Downtown Yoga also teach yoga in the studio and at Dixie State College of Utah, and encourage both their college students and their studio patrons to involve themselves in doing good for others in need.

The selection of classes taught at Downtown Yoga is the broadest in the area, and it takes many different demographics and abilities into account.

“We offer the widest variety of yoga classes in the area,” Rebecca Dalley, Co-owner and instructor, said. “Our instructors are all certified, so they can steer you in the right direction.”

Participants of yoga practice it for many different reasons, from the simply physical benefits, to even the spiritual enlightenment and peace gained through consistent participation.

“I have seen a huge growth in the yoga community,” Bowie said. “When I was first here a yoga studio didn’t even exist. It is definitely growing.”

“Yoga is for everyone,” Dalley said. “Usually you come to yoga for a specific reason, you wind up healing your body, then you end up going deeper into your body. It starts on a physical level for a lot of people, and then they wind up expanding themselves.”

Dalley’s personal path into yoga did just that, what started as a very physical practice turned into a desire for more.

Stress relief, injury therapy, or even general fitness are all popular motivators to get people into yoga; and health, flexibility, and spiritual peace keep people going.

Schedules, locations, and other information can be found on the Downtown Yoga website.

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