Newton Public Library to offer regular yoga class

Grab a yoga mat or a beach towel and head out to the next yoga class at the Newton Public Library, one of the library’s newest reoccurring programs.

Certified yoga instructor Meghan Davis has offered classes in the relaxing exercise at the Newton YMCA and at First Presbyterian Church where she is known as reverend.

Davis, an instructor of six years, will now be offering adult classes at the library — she held the second yoga class at the library Monday night.

She said she became interested in yoga as a spiritual practice as it is a tradition in Eastern cultures as a way to prepare the body for meditation. Davis learned this during seminary training to become a pastor.

“Since then I began using yoga for exercise and then as a part of a spiritual practice,” Davis said. “Yoga is prayer with the body for me, but it can be spiritual or physical — I just feel good when I do yoga.”

Davis said the class she teaches at the library is very gentle and is intended to be accessible for anyone at any level.

“It is traditional yoga on mats, towels or even on the floor,” Davis said. “You have to be able to get up and down off the floor but it is a great class for beginners.”

According to Davis, the three most important things to remember during yoga are, breathing, as it is the foundation of yoga and breathing at all times is important. Second, there is no pain strain in yoga and don’t force positions. Third, Davis said yoga is not a competition between you and others or you and yourself.

“Yoga is such a valuable practice for anyone,” Davis said. “Anyone who is interested should give it a try.”

Public Services Librarian Rebecca Klein said the regular program was spurred by a Yoga on the Lawn class last summer.

“The idea is that we’d like to work out a schedule for offering the class once a month or maybe every other month,” Klein said. “The Newton Public Library’s mission includes assisting the community in pursuing opportunities for personal growth while fostering passion for life-long learning.”

Davis said the class has been meeting in a room of the library but will venture outside to the library’s lawn when there is nice weather.

The next class is set for 6 to 7 p.m. May 15 on the library’s lawn, weather permitting.

To register, call 641-792-4108 or direct message the Newton Public Library on Facebook.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com