The response of the local community to the initiative of the Municipality of Rethymno to establish free yoga classes, which were inaugurated on Sunday, October 5, in the Municipal Garden, exceeded all expectations.
The first class was enthusiastically attended by over 50 women and men who had the opportunity to be initiated into this physical, mental and spiritual practice, under the guidance of specialized instructor Nikos Papanikolaou.
The classes take place every Sunday from 11:00 to 12:00 in the
Municipal Garden, which is transformed into an open space for exercise, balance, relaxation and meditation.
Participants in this process have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of yoga, which contributes to strengthening the body, cultivating flexibility, improving breathing and consolidating self-concentration and inner peace.
“We would like to thank the fellow citizens who embraced this initiative of the Municipality and the Department of Sports from the very beginning with willingness, positive attitude and enthusiasm. The fact that over 50 people took part in the first lesson proves that society is very interested in physical and mental exercise,” emphasized the Deputy Mayor for Sports, Nikos Provias.
And he continued: “I have pointed out on other occasions that the people of Rethymno, regardless of age, have a sports culture that extends across the entire spectrum of activities and therefore we must constantly enrich their repertoire. We are in the works and – when the outside temperatures drop – we will organize other wellness and fitness programs in closed spaces.”
The instructor Nikos Papanikolaou, who was born in Elatochori, Pieria, and was initiated into yoga in Los Angeles, where he lived for 45 consecutive years, is responsible for the courses.
He explains his relationship with yoga, as well as the beneficial effects of this practice:
“Initially, I used it as a tool to deal with stress. But as I progressed, I discovered more and more the power of yoga – not just for the body, but also for the mind and soul. The benefits were clear: reduced stress, lower blood pressure, better concentration and a deeper sense of calm. For me, yoga became the best natural medicine.
I have been a student of yoga for 15 years and have been teaching for the last 10. I was fortunate to study with internationally renowned teachers, who gave me the tools to help others on their own journey towards wellness and balance.
When I returned to Greece and settled in Rethymno, I felt the need to give something back to the community, which led me to teach yoga classes to students at the University of Crete twice a week. This opportunity arose thanks to the initiative of Deputy Mayor Nikos Provias, who had the idea of offering the courses initially to the University and then to the wider public of Rethymno.
I happily embraced this proposal and despite the fact that I offer these courses voluntarily, I consider them to be a substantial contribution to people’s health and well-being. We all face challenges, whether physical, mental or emotional, and we have a choice in how we will face them.
As far as I am concerned, the decision was clear: in the dilemma of “doctors or yoga?” I chose yoga.”
