Celebrate winter with yoga

The studio is a warm space with sunlight shining through the windows above the students' heads. Relaxing music that sounds as though it was made in a heavenly place is playing. The yoga instructor gently makes these first instructions:

"We begin by allowing our bodies to settle to the earth," said Jill Mustacchio, owner of Body & Soul Yoga.

Mustacchio, who was previously at O2 Wellness Studio, holds her yoga classes at Sierra Training Studio, 1624 10th St., Suite 2 in Minden.

"Yoga can be done anywhere and by all ages and all abilities," she said. "It improves health, mental awareness and balance. It's both energizing and relaxing."

A registered nurse, Mustacchio taught childbirth classes that included relaxation and breathing techniques for nine years. She describes herself as a student of yoga who wants to share the learning and growing experience and for the past five years has taught pre- and postnatal yoga classes, yoga for cancer patients, seniors and children.

"I have always been blessed to be in the business of helping others," she said. "Yoga gives people a space. Yoga helps people from the inside out."

Mustacchio said the classes at her studio are gentle and explore beginning yoga postures and breathing techniques.

"It does so many things: improves circulation; helps endocrine, circulatory and respiratory systems; reduces stress," she said. "It brings awareness to your physical and mental being."

Mustacchio teaches classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Sierra Training Studio, free senior classes through Douglas County Senior Services on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Carson Valley United Methodist Church and Kids Yoga through Alpine County's Friday Night Live on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Yoga allows people to move, stretch and strengthen their bodies.

"Give yourself time and a place to gently exercise your body and promote relaxation," said Mustacchio. "We're all so busy. Give yourself the gift of yoga to honor your body."

For more information on yoga classes with Jill Mustacchio, call 781-1226 or 783-1503.

What: Celebrate Old Man Winter at Body & Soul Yoga

When: 5:30-6:45 p.m. Dec. 19

Where: Sierra Training Studio,1624 10th St., Suite 2, Minden

Info: 783-1503, 781-1226

What: Douglas County Senior Services Yoga for Seniors

When: 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Where: Carson Valley Methodist Church

1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville

Free of charge to anyone 60 years of age or older

Info: 783-6455