The original intent of yoga – a practice which is thousands of years old – is to acquire a mastery of the mind and obtain optimal functioning of the entire body. Those who practice with this purpose are often better equipped to process and convert stress into higher levels of performance. Because it allows individuals to increase their focus and problem-solving abilities, yoga provides practitioners with heightened situational awareness and a greater ability to make intelligent decisions in critical situations. Research projects using biofeedback machines that track activity inside the brain and body show that those who practice yoga also gain the ability to make self-directed biological changes. In other words, mindfulness practices like yoga can help individuals impact the functioning of their own brain and nervous system through their actions.

First Responders Yoga takes the original intent of yoga and delivers it in a manner that specifically targets the needs of first responders. The practice primarily focuses on tactical breath work through specific breathing-control techniques to access the nervous system, physical postures for releasing stress, and developing mental and physical stability, and ends with a neurological reset exercise to return the body to a balanced state. Through breathing, stretching, and guided meditation, First Responders Yoga can declutter stress and add balance to routine, helping to strengthen those who serve.