LAKEWOOD - Sarah Khan's dedication to the practice of yoga stretches all the way to India, where she will study for two weeks in January.
''Every time you travel and practice, your students benefit - there is more of an impact to pass on. As a teacher and as a person you learn more,'' said Ms. Khan, owner of The Yoga Studio, 181 Fairmount Ave., Lakewood.
Visiting India to study is the next logical step for Ms. Khan, who trained at the Open Sky Yoga in Rochester, where, in order to become a registered Yoga Alliance instructor and receive certification to teach, she had to gain at least 200 hours of experience.
The certified restorative trainer and Lakewood resident began to practice yoga at the age of 16, though her serious daily practice and dedication to the ancient craft began 12 years ago with the birth of her daughter.
After successfully teaching her friends, who she said had literally begged her, Ms. Khan was a instructor last summer at the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club on Chautauqua Lake. Her success led her to open her own practice, which since September 2007 has been located on 181 E. Fairmount Ave.
As the one of the few yoga instructors in the area, Khan has found people of all ages are eager to learn.
''We have students of all ages. It's pretty amazing,'' she said. ''Everyone can do yoga.''
Having three other instructors practicing varying yoga styles, Ms. Khan said she is able to instruct anyone, regardless of age, to learn and practice yoga.
''We provide everything - belts, blocks, blankets, bolsters, mats and sand bags. We can purchase equipment as well. We will adjust and accommodate to everyone's physical abilities to achieve the physical and mental health associated with yoga,'' Ms. Khan said.
The different types of yoga offered, include Kripalu, Yin, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, restorative and pre-natal yoga. The styles differ in how they are arranged, and how long each position is held.
''Particular poses will help the physical and mental body,'' she said.
Seniors, pre-natal women and those recovering from surgery can all derive health benefits from the practice of yoga, according to Ms. Khan, who said yoga can help the nervous system, the respiratory system, the immune system and help decrease the effects of asthma, indigestion, arthritis, migraines, mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and help people lose weight.
Classes are offered every day, though Ms. Kahn plans on expanding to offer a variety in both the morning and evening.
''Our goal is to have anyone come in anytime and take a class,'' said Khan.
A popular children's drumming class focusing on African dance will be offered in the fall. Corporate yoga, where arrangements are made for once or twice a week, offers lessons during lunch time.
For more information about yoga lessons, contact Ms. Khan at 485-6309.
