Jackie Chauvin hopes a 10-week yoga class she will teach at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital will help people find some time to devote to themselves.

“How often do we really take time without cell phones and without interruptions to devote time to ourselves?” Chauvin said.

While yoga has origins in ancient India and often can incorporate religious practices, students should not expect those in this one-hour course. Instead, the class will focus on yoga stretches as a way to relieve stress.

Beginner and intermediate classes will be offered at The Wellness Center starting Sept. 4.

Beginner classes are held Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Intermediate classes meet on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The class size is limited to 30 people so those interested should call the Wellness Center at 334-287-2613 to register.

There are modifications that can be taught for those who have physical issues. Also, the course does not build every week on instruction, so students can join at anytime during the 10 weeks.

Chauvin said the classes are for all ages and urges everyone to participate — one year she had a 96-year-old student take the course.

“Science has proven that yoga aids with stress, blood pressure and heart rate,” she said. “It also elevates happy chemicals in the brain, producing an after effect known as the ‘yoga bliss.’”

The classes are also open to those who have never done yoga before, and Chauvin said there is no reason for prospective students to be intimidated to join.

“I approach teaching yoga as generic as white bread,” she said. “I love yoga and have been doing it for 20 years and just want others to experience it.”