On Saturday, at Mainstream Fitness Center, Christina Arthur, who has taught yoga at Mainstream for the past six years, will host “Yoga for You,” along with Tammy Brahan, owner of The Yoga Room, in Hattiesburg.

This will be a full day of yoga and it is open to everyone whether you are new to yoga or wish to deepen your knowledge and experience of yoga.

We are fortunate to have yoga instructor, Tammy Brahan, in Natchez for this special event. Tammy, who owns her own yoga studio, approaches her yoga classes with enthusiasm, compassion and respect for the individual. She focuses her teaching in the heart-oriented style of Anusara. Anusara Yoga is considered to be one of the most spiritually uplifting, and therapeutically effective styles of Hatha Yoga in the world today. People of all levels of ability and Yoga experience are respected for their special differences, limitations, as well as talents. Anusara Yoga is an elegant system of alignment principles. Tammy has trained with the founder of Anusara Yoga, John Friend, as well as numerous master yoga teachers including Patricia Walden, Baron Baptiste and Doug Swensen. Tammy is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and a member of The International Association of Yoga Therapists. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and nursing and she has 21 years of experience as a fitness instructor.

The day will consist of three classes beginning with Serenity Yoga from 9 a.m. until noon. This class will focus on the universal principals of alignment as created by Anusara Yoga founder, John Friend. Led by instructor Brahan, the gentle poses and postures are intended to release stress and center awareness and balance in the body, mind and spirit. The cost of this class is $45.

A break will be included from noon until 1:30 p.m. Participants will be on their on to enjoy shopping and/or dinning in historic downtown Natchez.

The second class, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This class, designed to increase strength and flexibility, will integrate rhythmic breathing with conscious movement. By uniting body and breath, the student will learn to move from moment to moment with absolute awareness. As a mediation through motion, this practice will also strengthen the power of the mind and will open the heart. The cost of the Vinyasa class is $45

The day will close appropriately with Restorative Yoga from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. This class is designed to bring the student into a deeper sense of relaxation and surrender. Props, such as blankets, blocks and bolsters will be used to support the body and enhance relaxation. The combination of holding the poses for several minutes, along with breath work, will enable the student to rest quietly in the present moment resulting in total rejuvenation. Pranayama, or proper breathing, and meditation will also be included in this class. The cost of the restorative class is $30.

Participants can register for individual classes, but Tammy and Christina recommend taking advantage of the entire day of activities. The cost of all three classes is $110. Space will be limited so it is advisable to reserve your place as soon as possible. Please make checks payable to Mainstream Fitness Yoga Workshop. Participants can drop their checks by Mainstream or mail to: Mainstream Fitness Center, 521 Main St., Natchez, MS 39120, Attn: Christina Arthur.

For further information you may call Mainstream Fitness at 601-442-8114.

I hope everyone will take advantage of this rare opportunity to explore the oldest system of personal development in the world which encompasses the entire body and spirit. Yoga is a complete science of life that originated thousands of years ago; it combines the movement you need for physical health with the breathing and meditation techniques that ensure peace of mind. Yoga is not bound by any religion; there is a place for everyone with yoga.

Yoga mats will be provided or you may bring your own. It is best to wear cool, comfortable, and loose clothing. We hope to see you at Mainstream Fitness on Sept. 15.

You do not need to be a member of Mainstream Fitness in order to attend the yoga workshop. Namaste!

Jane Gardner is a Natchez resident and a yoga participant.