The new trend around town is not of the latest technology or fashion, but one concerning body strength and tone. Gym memberships are being renewed and more people are trying to exercise and stay fit.

According to a recent Science Daily article, yoga could be one’s answer to not only a healthier life style, but also beneficial to one’s mood. Research done by associate professor Chris Skeeter M.D., at Boston University School of Medicine, indicates that yoga is a superior form of exercise due to the positive effects it has on mood and anxiety.  

The breathing techniques and postures incorporated with the exercise increase gamma-amino butyric levels in the brain. These levels are associated with changes of increased health with mood and anxiety, while low levels of GABA are linked with depression and anxiety disorders.

Many think yoga is a difficult form of exercise to master, but actually it is a self-improvement workout. All postures are done based on one’s level of comfortability and flexibility. Yoga focuses on breathing and body posture to help center and channel ones self into a tranquil state, and encourages one to breathe in the good and exhale the bad. Practitioners are left to think of nothing but their breathing in order to be one with themselves as soon as they are focused on their posture and breath, and not focused on other aspects of their lives. The postures can be formatted to what is comfortable and best for each person.

De Anza offers classes for beginners in yoga and is a great way to get the ball rolling. Taking a class on campus is a steal in comparison to the amount charged at yoga studios.

Yoga is for the mind, body and soul. To help better one’s health, mood and anxiety this exercise will be beneficial to those who give it a try.