RI Beauty Insider: Yoga for Beauty

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Donna Macdonald, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert

 

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MJ Yeager is very serene. And beautiful. When asked how a woman of a certain age, such as herself, came to be that way, MJ credits the ancient practice of yoga, of which she is a master instructor. By embracing a yoga lifestyle, she says, any woman can experience yoga’s extraordinary and surprising benefit: enhanced beauty.

Foundation

According to MJ, breath work is the basis of yoga. With new students, she will often advise taking a selfie before class and then one after class. The comparison will be singular, she states, because with proper breathing, the skin becomes newly oxygenated and the result is GLOW! In addition, the calming traditions of yoga erase fine worry lines and furrows. A peacefulness comes over the face. “It’s better than eye shadow!” said MJ. . 

Ageless

Yoga traditions are ageless. MJ believes that women can begin yoga at any stage of life.  As well, yoga seems to benefit women of a certain age in a particular way: as women age, they often become overly focused on their changing outward appearance but yoga prompts women to find their innermost beauty. The bonus, says MJ, is that this kernel of happiness within herself despite the physical changes, helps a woman feel better about herself and therefore, it shows on the outside too. Hmmm… sounds like the fountain of youth!

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Gracefulness

Walking has long been a mainstay in women’s fitness but yoga takes it one step further. Its fluid poses firm the core and help create a body with balance and ease. Flexibility in movement makes a woman look younger as she walks, moves, and carries out her life. Yoga imparts a gracefulness which belies a woman’s age, states MJ, who herself has a refined balletic quality from her own practice.

Self-Care

Yoga has the power to revitalize as it calms the nervous system. Its mindfulness allows for self-reflection which in turn may make a woman examine her life more carefully and find ways to manage the demands and stresses upon her body. As a woman continues to practice yoga, MJ states that she will often begin to make health and lifestyle changes that will give her more energy for her busy life.  Since yoga is all about self-compassion and care, MJ believes this will show in a woman’s appearance with a calmer demeanor, agile body, and radiant skin.

Classes

These days, MJ teaches at the YMCA of Wakefield and holds refreshing outdoor classes at The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown. She is also available for private one-on-one instruction or groups. You can reach MJ at [email protected]. Just put “Beauty” in the subject line!

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.

 

Related Slideshow: 10 Great Yoga Spots

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51 Bassett Street, Providence, RI. (401) 273-3500.

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Bristol Yoga Studio

If you are a yoga beginner or are experiencing the body changes that come with pregnancy, Bristol Yoga Studio is the place to go. Beginners will benefit from Kripalu Yoga, a mixed-level class that emphasizes wholeness, meditation, and balance. Pre-natal yoga will teach breathing techniques, body awareness, and more that will help both in labor and after you have had your child.

13 State Street, Bristol, RI. (401) 569-0147.

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Boiler House Bikram Yoga

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166 Valley Street, Providence, RI. (401) 383-3840.

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Yoga Loft RI

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16 Cutler Street, Warren, RI. (401) 245-0881.

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Santosha Yoga Studio

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14 Bartlett Avenue, Cranston, RI. (401) 780-9809.

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Eyes of the World

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1 Park Row, Providence, RI. (401) 295-5002.

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Breathing Time Yoga

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541 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. (401) 421-9876.

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The Heron Studio

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187 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River, MA. (774) 365-4016.

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Shri Studio

Check out Shri Studio in Pawtucket for a mindful and relaxing yoga experience. Highlights of their extensive class list include Yoga for Seniors, Gentle Yoga (free for followers of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Center, plus one guest!), and Forrest Yoga—designed to address physical and emotional stresses that may be stored within the body.

21 Broad Street, Pawtucket, RI. (401) 441-8600.

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Serenity Yoga

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21 College Hill Road, Warwick, RI. (401) 615-3433.

 

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