In an effort to encourage people to meet their fitness goals, the Manassas Park Community Center is now offering a variety of aerobic studio classes. 

Available for purchase in eight-week sessions or on a class-by-class basis, there are a variety of programs to fit every fitness level, from beginner to  advanced.

‘Yoga for Everyone,’ one of the center’s most popular classes, is designed so that anyone, regardless of their activity level, can participate.

"Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years," according to the editors of the Yoga Journal.

Manassas Park Community Center instructors aim to take advantage of yoga’s stress-reducing, mental and physical benefits by guiding "class participants on breathing techniques and achieving a mind, body and spirit connection," according to the Yoga for Everyone class synopsis.

 “The class focuses on increasing flexibility, strength, balance and improving overall well-being,” class instructor Rebecca Hendershot said.

“Through yoga, you can achieve greater flexibility, range of motion, balance, better posture, stronger focus, more energy and a general sense of well-being. Yoga can also aide in getting better rest and weight-loss,” Hendershot said.

 Yoga can be an appealing exercise regime because it is accessible and beneficial for all age groups and both genders. 

Yoga can assist in weight loss, reduce stress and anxiety and help build muscle, stamina and flexibility.  Seniors benefit from Yoga because it helps increase  and strengthen muscles.  Yoga will also promote improved memory and attention span, according to the editors of the Yoga Journal.

“In yoga you will find time to reflect on inner peace or just relax while holding poses. In the end of each class there will be a period of final relaxation or meditation,” Hendershot said.

Yoga for Everyone is offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.  Members, residents and non-residents of Manassas Park can sign up for an eight-week session.  Prices range from $28 for members, $31 for residents and $36 for non-residents for an eight-week session.  Passes for one class can also be purchased at the front desk for $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents.

The Manassas Park Community Center is located at 99 Adams St.