Some yogis have been putting in extra hours of mindful practice, refining their form and stance, holding their asanas in perfect stillness, hoping to grab top spot in the finals.

No, it isn't for the 2014 Winter Olympics, although if Rajashree Choudhury had her way, competitive yoga would be an Olympic sport.

Choudhury is president and founder of the United States Yoga  Federation, the group responsible for hosting the National  Championship of Yoga Asana in New York. She says yoga asana competitions are a part of the Indian way of life and competed in events from an early age.

The New York competition is March 2; the national semi-finals on March 3 and the finals on March 4. The winners will take part in an international competition scheduled for June in Los Angeles.

Competitors will be judged on seven poses and must do them within three minutes. Five of them are required:

*    Dandayamana Janusirsasana - standing-head-to-knee

*    Dandayamana Dhanurasana - standing bow pulling pose

*    Dhanurasana - bow pose

*    Sasangasana - rabbit pose

*    Paschimottanasana - stretching pose

According to the official rules, competitors will be judges on balance, strength, flexibility, well-paced timing and appropriate breathing in postures. Five seconds of stillness with controlled breathing in the maximum expression of the posture is recommended to demonstrate control and points are deducted for a variety of reasons, including wobbling, uneven breathing or lack of control once in the posture.

Choudhury says it's about strength, balance and flexibility, way to "interest people in yoga who might be put off by the spiritual aspect, by showing them the athletic aspect."

For some, the words "yoga" and "asana championship" are completely at odds. Practicing yoga is not about achieving perfection or competing with others. Yoga and its spiritually can't be separated.

The debate continues but an answer could come as soon as 2020. That's when Yogasiromani Gopalji, executive director of The World Yoga Council and at the forefront of the push to get yoga in the Olympics, would like it.

Meg Eginton, creator of Eginton Alignment Somatic Movement, is returning to Be Well Now to present two workshops. Space is limited and classes are filling fast so don't delay in registering. If you're new to Eginton Alignment or have mobility issues, you'll want to attend the 1 pm workshop, which is an introductory class.

Wear exercise clothing. Bring a pair of socks and, if you have one, your yoga mat. Classes are $36. Please pay this non-refundable fee in advance.

Introductory Eginton Alignment

Saturday, February 22

11:30 - 2:00  (for those with limitations)

There is no age limit on this course. You do need to be able to lie on your back on the floor, though you may get down and up from the floor with support from Meg or a chair. The Eginton Alignment Daily Dozen series frees the major joints of the body from pain or irritation. The series gently stretches, cleans, releases, and realigns the muscles. Because muscles exist to move bones, all movement becomes more graceful, more coordinated, and more comfortable.

Saturday, February 22

2:30 - 5:00   (for those with NO limitations)

This is a class targeted at head, neck, shoulders, torsos and lower body. How you use your body creates confidence. You will take away exercise sequences that are easy to do at home for continued progress. Built of deep stretches, core work, postural shifts, whole body strength work and exploration of proper walking and standing, this class will give you a new and fantastic experience of moving with elegance and ease. A handout will be available.

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Upavistha Konasana prepares practitioners for most of the seated forward bends and twists such as Janu Sirsasanathe (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend) as well as for wide-legged standing poses such as Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend).
    
The blueprint:
The yogi sits bent forward at the hips, index and middle fingers wrapped around the big toes, elbows bent out to the sides and lifted away from the floor.
 
How to do it:
1. Begin in Dandasana (Seated Mountain Pose). Press out through the heels and spread your legs away from one another, opening them to a 90-degree angle. Lean back slightly with your hands behind you, then lift your hips and push your butt forward. You should feel as if your hip and pubis bones are shifted forward.
 
2.  Take a deep breath, elongate the spine and reach toward the ceiling with the crown of the head.
 
3. Use the hands to "walk" the torso down, bringing it closer and closer to the mat. Remember to work at your own pace. Exhale and relax into the pose. Encourage the stretch, but don't force it. Always listen to your body. If you can't stretch your legs to 90 degrees, bring them closer.
 
From this position, check your alignment
 
Do:
    *    keep your back flat
    *    keep your thighs engaged
    *    keep your feet flexed, heels on the floor and toes pointing back toward your head
    *    make sure your knees are facing up toward the ceiling
 
Don't:
    *    round or arch your back
    *    hyper-extend the knees
 
4. When you are ready to come out of the pose, gently walk your arms back up, C-curving your spine to a seated position. Bring your legs together.
 
Benefits:
    *    stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs
    *    elongates and strengthens the spine
    *    opens the hips and groin
    *    promotes calmness
    *    stimulates circulation to the liver, spleen, and adrenals

Contraindications:
    *    If you have a lower-back injury, sit up high on a block or folded blanket and keep your torso between vertical and 45 degrees bent forward.
    *    If you have lower back pain, place a folded blanket underneath the "sit" bones. Keep the spine long and the chest open. Lean gently forward into the stretch until you reach a spot that is comfortable for your back and that engages your hamstrings.