Local Yoga Instructor's Technique Catching On Internationally

By Lori Lyle

(LOUISVILLE, December 18th, 2003, 1:30 p.m.) -- There's a new way to get fit with yoga, thanks to one Louisville yoga instructor. As Lori Lyle explains, the technique is getting the attention of fitness enthusiasts around the world.

It looks and sounds like a typical yoga class. All the stretching and poses. But this centuries old fitness technique is apparently never too old for something new. Certified yoga instructor Lauren Eirk is also a master instructor with the widely popular resist-a-ball.

She's fusing the benefits of both into a new form of yoga. "I've found there are so many positions you can do on the ball," Eirk says.

Because the joints are supported, the muscles around the joints start to relax and open up.

Which makes getting into poses much easier Eirk says. It's great for entry level and experienced participants alike. "They can actually take a yoga pose they've done for years and challenge it."

Eirk and the ball are getting some impressive attention. "I'm getting more and more calls both nationally and internationally about this program," she says. "People are starting to realize what a great idea this is."

With an instructor training video already on the market, this new form of yoga could soon be standard around the world. The biggest thing is getting people not to be scared to get on a ball. If I can just get them on a ball one time, they're hooked for life."

Lauren has another video coming out in February designed for home use. She's been featured in several magazines including Self and Yoga Journal, and was recently dubbed one of the next great fitness gurus by the Los Angeles Times.

Online Reporter: Lori Lyle

Online Producer: Michael Dever