Yoga for life

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:40:52 +0000

Val Kunimoto began practising yoga long before it was trendy. But when she did her first downward dog in 1973, she struggled to find a teacher.

Finally, she connected with a former gymnast who was teaching yoga out of the YMCA. Kunimoto quickly fell in love with the strength, flexibility and mental calmness yoga offered.

"Yoga just calmed me down so much and changed my whole outlook," she says.

Val Kunimoto teaches all ages how to get the most from the ancient practice of yoga.

At the advice of her very first yoga instructor, Kunimoto decided to take her practice to the next level and teach. In 1978 she earned her teacher training from the Yoga Association of Alberta and began teaching yoga classes in Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

Since the late 1990s, she's also taught regular classes at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, to staff and students of all ages. In fact, over the last 12 years she's developed a following of staff members and students who keep returning to her classes.

"Before yoga, students are wound tighter than a top. But gradually, week after week, they unwind and gain a better awareness of their body and the stress we hold onto in the body," says Kunimoto. "Once you're aware of it, you can use the [yoga] techniques to let go of it."

Students also experience relief from physical ailments like high blood pressure and back pain. These transformations are why she continues to both teach and maintain a regular yoga practice for herself.

"Teaching yoga has enabled me to share my passion and creativity with many wonderful people. I learn something new in every yoga class I teach," she says.

UNews - Val Kunimoto

Yoga for life

Related Topics