More blacks taking Yoga

By Terreece M. Clarke
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Marjorie Nesbitt, a petite, athletic black woman stood in front of her dimly lit evening yoga class and instructed the students to take a deep breath through the nose as soothing music began to play. The majority of the class is black and part of a growing trend in Columbus and throughout America.
Yoga is a non-traditional form of exercise that has grown in popularity in recent years with the aid of celebrity endorsement. Black celebrities such as Russell Simmons and Kareem Abdul Jabbar are strong proponents of the benefits of yoga. Oprah Winfrey’s website Oprah.com offers a section touting the health benefits of yoga including testimonials from viewers that yoga has cured their insomnia, helped with hot flashes, increased stamina and even helped one viewer overcome a fear of flying.
“My goal is to bring yoga to the urban community. We are really missing out on the benefits of yoga. I’d like to eliminate the stigma,” Nesbitt said. “The first thing people ask about is if it (yoga) is a religion. Next they are worried about not being flexible; those are exactly the people (non-flexible) who should be in these classes. Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion.”
According to Wai Lana.com, a popular yoga website, yoga consists of a series of poses or asanas that help to stretch and strengthen the body.
The health benefits of yoga have been documented. In September 2003, The University of Iowa Health Science Relations and Dr. Nicole Nisly published a report that said yoga can be helpful in reducing the need for medication in mild cases of asthma and high blood pressure. The report also said that yoga helps people cope with Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit disorder and back pain.
Cynthia Duncan Joseph, 33, took a mother-baby yoga class in the Short North while she was pregnant.
“(The) class highlighted getting back in shape and bonding with your newborn. I know I felt great, mentally and physically. I also wanted a way to meet other moms since I was a first time mom,” Joseph said.
Mwansa Mandela, a counselor and yoga instructor said that almost anyone can practice yoga, no matter what the state of his or her physical fitness.
“Physical fitness will come, if the individual is not already fit. A newcomer, (should bring) an attitude of willingness, openness, enjoyment, and commitment, the fitness will come in time – it's inevitable,” Mandela said.
Nesbitt discovered yoga after having emergency surgery on both of her legs.
“I was looking for something low impact and after the first class I was hooked. I was hooked on the feeling of calm energy I had throughout the day,” Nesbitt said.
When picking yoga classes both Nesbitt and Mandela say that the instructor’s desire to teach is important.
“Some instructors like the physical challenge and decide they might as well teach. You want to find someone who is passionate. They are going to share that interest with you,” Nesbitt said.