Tired? Try Yoga Says Teacher
Yoga instructor “Chima” gives tips on how to build healthier life style.
By MICHIKO TAMURA
Rafu Staff Writer
Monday, Jan. 16, 2006 5:29 P.M.
Well, the holidays are now officially over. For those who are feeling guilty about putting on a few pounds, don’t worry. There is a simple, but effective solution to your problem, according to Machiko “Chima” Yoshida––Just try “yoga.”
“Doing yoga can make your body metabolism increase,” said Yoshida, veteran yoga instructor of 24 years. “When you are healthy and happy, your body naturally chooses foods that are good for the body.”
As the word yoga means “union” in India’s Sanskrit, the Hindu system of exercises can help control the body and mind by breathing and meditation, according to Yoga Journal. Started among celebrities, yoga’s popularity has been growing among people who seek a new type of diet and exercise.
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MICHIKO TAMURA/Rafu Shimpo
Machiko Yoshida teaches her students one of yoga movements at her house in Monterey Park. |
“Good blood circulation makes your body relaxed, and that can make you happy because your mind and body are connected. Even once a week it’s very effective if you relax your body tension,” Yoshida said, adding that yoga is a good way of reducing stress as well.
Yoga exercises consist of a repetition of a variety of muscle stretches. Though it looks easy, the simple movements with proper breathing technique can burn body fat slowly but surely.
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Yoshida, for instance, teaches her students movements that can reduce stiff shoulders and back pain.She also claims yoga can help prevent colds, or reduce winkles and fat from around the waist.
“If you can do yoga everyday, that’s the best. But, never overstrain yourself. Don’t feel like you are obligated to do that. Rather, just feel relaxed and enjoy the exercises. That’s the most important thing,” she said, adding that anyone can do yoga, even pregnant women, but each individual should exercise at their own pace.
The Fukuoka-born bilingual teacher came to the United States when she was 17 years old. After graduating from Cal State, Los Angeles, Yoshida married and had two sons. She started learning yoga 27 years ago while her children were still young.
“My ex-husband started a coffee shop when my sons were 3 months and 3 years olds. Raising the kids and helping the shop was very stressful. So, one of my friends recommended me to start yoga,” Yoshida recalled. “And I soon realized this was something that I could do for the rest of my life.”
“If you feel a lack of energy or unhappy, I just want to say thatyoga can make you happy,” she said. “When you start feeling the effect depends on each person. |
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Some say they felt relieved soon after they tried yoga only one time, others say after a week or so they started realizing some change in their body.”
Hisayo Maki of San Marino, who has taken Yoshida’s class for five years, said, “I used to catch colds all the time, but after I started yoga, my resistance to the cold increased. And now, I barely catch a cold." ...........................................
While some yoga instructors focus on meditation and silence, Yoshida’s class is always full of laughter.
“I love to laugh. If you can’t enjoy doing it, you won’t be able to last for long time,” Yoshida said.
Some students like Yae Toyosato of Torrance said they come to Yoshida’s class because they like to hear her talks during the class.
“Of course her yoga is wonderful. But also her talks are very inspirational. It encourages us to live our life happier. That’s why I come to take her class every week all the way from Torrance.” ..................................................................................................................
Being full of energy, Yoshida is not only a yoga instructor, but also teaches belly dance and Qi-gong (kiko), Chinese exercise that combines movement and meditation. Between teaching classes she also works as a voice actor and stand-up comedian. In addition, with a degree of Doctor of Metaphysics she is an ordained minister of metaphysical fellowship church as well as certified chemical dependency counselor.
“There are so many more things I want to do. I’d like to write books or to have lectures and workshops,” she said. “But my ultimate goal is to live happily until 300 years old while teaching these classes.”
Yoshida teaches yoga on Monday 10:30 to 11:40 a.m., Wednesday 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Qi-gong every Sunday 10 to 11 a.m. at her house, 1660 Loma Verde St. Monterey Park. $10 per yoga lesson. For information contact Yoshida at (323) 727-7758 |
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