• As with any new regimen, you should consult your doctor if you have any doubts about your ability to practice yoga.

• Wear comfortable, stretchable clothing, without restrictions of tight waistbands or belts, to allow full freedom of movement.

• Do not eat or drink a lot of beverages up to 3 hours before your practice as a full stomach can cause discomfort.

• If you are pregnant, you need a doctor's note before starting any class. Additionally, we offer Prenatal classes designed for your special needs. DETAILS

• If you have any health issues or physical impairment due to illness or injury, be sure to let your instructor know before class starts.

• Continue your practice at home by taking what you learn here with you. You will get the maximum benefits by incorporating yoga into your daily routine.

You've just taken the first step towards greater well-being!

There are many benefits to starting and maintaining a yoga practice beyond the physical exercise: stress reduction, increased health and fitness, weight loss, and management of chronic pain and illness.

Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Traditional yoga philosophy, what is followed here at GTOL, asks that students adhere to this mission through behavior, diet and meditation.

We look forward to being your guide in this journey towards well-being.

READY TO GET STARTED?

If you're ready, the next step is to register. You will be prompted to fill out your own account/profile page and create a login so you can check out the schedule of classes, workshops, retreats and other activities and sign up for those you want. REGISTER NOW

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About Us

Genesis Tree of Life Yoga & Wellness Center (GTOL) is a Raja Yoga school in the Himalayan Tradition and an integrative holistic center in the heart of Queens, New York. Our yoga classes are designed to teach and make available, to our community and beyond, the knowledge of yoga meditation within the Tradition of Himalayan Masters, as interpreted by Swami Rama of the Himalayas. READ MORE

The Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits.

The physical benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body. Improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism. Promotes cardio and circulatory health. Relieves pain. Helps you look and feel younger than your age. Improves your athletic performance.

The mental benefits: Helps you relax and handle stressful situations more easily. Teaches you how to quiet the mind so you can focus your energy where you want it to go - into a difficult yoga pose, on the tennis court or golf course, or in the office. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance.

The spiritual benefits: Yoga leads one to the direct experience of the inner self. It is a path for the realization of the self. Promotes an integration of mind, body, and spirit. Helps you live the concept of "oneness."

Read More:
Article from The Mayo Clinic...Yoga: Tap into the many health benefits

Article from WebMD.com...The Health Benefits of Yoga

Core Components of Our Yoga Classes

Poses: Yoga Asanas, also called postures, are designed to increase strength and flexibility. Postures range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.

Breathing: Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.

Yoga and Flexibility

When some people think of yoga, they imagine having to stretch like a gymnast. That makes them worry that they're too old, unfit, or "tight" to do yoga. The truth is you're never too old to improve flexibility. Anyone can do yoga-no matter how young or old you are, whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete. Size and fitness level do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose. The idea is to explore your limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection.