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22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2020 This is a monthly column featuring winners and nominees of the 2019 FredParent Family Favorite contest. family favorites An ancient practice to bring the mind and body together, the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuji," meaning union. According to the American Osteopathic Association, the physical benefits of yoga are many, from reducing weight to help- ing cardio and circulatory health. Practicing yoga provides just as many perks for mental health, including helping to manage stress, relaxing the mind, sharpening concentration and more. The team at Stafford House of Yoga believes the human body is more valuable than earthly possessions, and investing in the health of the mind, body and energy system results in living at our most optimal state. To achieve the mental and physical bonuses of yoga takes practice. Stafford House of Yoga, which incorporates classical and hot yoga (exercise performed under hot and humid conditions that results in considerable sweating), is owned by Linda Osorio, LCMT, ERYT 500, a resident of Stafford County. Opened in 2012, SHoY was the first yoga studio in Stafford County and the premier Hot Yoga studio from Fairfax to Richmond. Osorio was ready to share the knowledge of the ancient practice of yoga with cutting-edge sci- ence on anatomy and meditation. She previously owned a mas- sage therapy center in the county for many years before, realizing through her own yoga practice that yoga and meditation were key to preventing and reducing back pain and mental stress. Stafford House of Yoga features a variety of classes and times to make it convenient for everybody who wants to take advantage of yoga's benefits. "I love hot sequence yoga —it's my favorite," said Ginny Melville on the company's website. "I love all the instructors and every- one who works at Stafford House of Yoga." Stafford House of Yoga is located at 971 Garrisonville Road in Stafford . For more information, call (540) 659-0777 or visit www.staffordhouseofyoga.com. Just by joining the mailing list, you'll receive a free yoga class. WRITTEN BY LENORA KRUK-MULLANAPHY