Source: The Los Angeles Times
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, July 27, 2001: The engraved concrete steps leading up to Yoga Kingdom Sanctuary explain what yoga is all about before you even enter. “Increase strength,” “Reduce stress,” “Improve flexibility,” Increase energy,” and “Improve concentration,” all lead to the top step of “Inner peace.” The ancient Hindu discipline of Yoga, which means “union” in Sanskrit, involves meditation, controlled breathing and prescribed physical postures. Nadeer Shagagi, the director of Yoga Kingdom and a yoga practitioner for 18 years, said asanas, or postures, are designed to reinvigorate the body. There are local yoga classes for those with multiple sclerosis, senior citizens, pregnant and postnatal women, toddlers, kids and teens. Virginia Lumb, 54, has been teaching yoga in the San Gabriel valley for five years. She holds classes at 12 places, including Foothill Gym and the YMCA in Monrovia, and Pasadena Jewish Temple. She’s noticed a definite increase in the popularity of yoga. Lumb has taught graduate students and professors at Caltech, cancer survivors at the Wellness Center in Pasadena and even car dealership employees.