WSU to Host Yoga Regional Championship

January 8, 2013

OGDEN, Utah – Standing Bow, Rabbit, and Downward-Facing Dog are all yoga poses that will be on display Jan.12 during the 2013 Utah & Wyoming Regional USA Yoga Asana Championship at noon in Weber State University’s Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater. 

The USA Yoga Federation was founded by Rajashree Choudhury, a universally known yoga expert and wife of Bikram Choudhury, founder of Bikram yoga.

The regional competition is hosted by Bikram Yoga of Ogden and is sponsored by WSU’s Art and Culture Through Movement and Music club.

Bikram yoga is a series of 26 postures performed in a heated room to work and cleanse the body. The poses work synergistically and cumulatively to return the body to a balanced state. The Bikram yoga method builds energy, stamina and flexibility, while stimulating the organs, glands and nerves to move fresh oxygenated blood to the entire body.

“Our group celebrates all forms of art and expression,” said Debra Murphy, club advisor. “Yoga, with its centuries of tradition, provides a powerful combination of mental and physical fitness.”

During the event each competitor is given the opportunity to perform five compulsory Asanas (postures) as well as two of the contestant’s choice. They are given a three-minute performance time. The compulsory Asanas include, Standing Head to Knee, Standing Bow, Floor Bow, Rabbit and Floor Stretching. 

The participants will be judged on form, poise and steady breathing, as well as flexibility, strength and balance. One adult male and female and one youth competitor will advance to the 2013 National Yoga Asana Championship in New York. 

“Yoga prevents illness and injury, promotes weight loss and limits the effects of aging,” said Carolyn Valencia, instructor, Bikram Yoga of Ogden. “Through consistent practice, we look, move and feel younger, more alive and self-fulfilled.”

The competition is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Weber State students who attend will also receive one free class voucher to Bikram Yoga (111 25th Street, Ogden.) 

Visit usayoga.org for more information about the yoga championship. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Contact:
Debra Murphy, advisor, Art and Culture Through Movement and Music club
801-626-6631 • ddmurphy@weber.edu

Carolyn Valencia, instructor, Bikram Yogo of  Ogden
970-396-4963 • movingmantra@gmail.com
Author:
Kelsy Peterson, University Communications
801-626-7295 • kelsypeterson@weber.edu
Translate

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah 84408