According to The Aspen Times on April 7, PraiseMoves, a Christian alternative to yoga, is being introduced at a local Aspen, Colo. church by Chantal Howard.
For Christians who have deeply personal religious beliefs, practicing yoga is definitely outside the comfort zone. However, this new program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church hopes to combine the two in a perfect balance between their faith and fitness.
Chantal Howard, a St. Mary’s parishioner, leads the free yoga class that will meet on Mondays at noon throughout the month of April. A certified PraiseMoves instructor, Howard has practiced yoga for all the right reasons, including increased flexibility, strength, balance and her faith. She said,
"This stems from my desire to have fitness in my life and couple it with my faith."
PraiseMoves was founded in 2001 by Laurette Willis. Ms. Willis is known for her two television shows as well as her work as a speaker, playwrite and Bible teacher. Laurette supervises all of the training for those interested in becoming certified PraiseMoves instructors. Her television shows, "PraiseMove" and "PraiseMoves Kids" are seen regularly on CNL-TV. She is also an author with Harvest House Publishers and Destiny Image Publishers.
Grounded in her Christian faith, Chantal Howard has no issues to the spirituality of Hinduism where the roots of yoga stem. The PraiseMoves program incorporates more than 140 yoga poses linked to a verse in the Bible. Howard hopes PraiseMoves will become the foundation for a “fitness ministry”, and using it to engage the younger generation.
“For a lot of young people, fitness is their religion,” she said. “The whole body, mind and spirit component — I feel like this fits. It's part of that connection.”
The classes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aspen are open to everyone. Participants should remember to bring an exercise mat.
Sources: The Aspen Times, PraiseMoves.com
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