The power of yoga

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Rebecca Fruehwald is a 10-year-old Burholme girl who has a mild case of cerebral palsy.
Marian Fruehwald, Rebecca’s mom, was looking to find an activity to help with her diagnosis.
"She needs some kind of consistent, mild exercise to give her a sense of control over her body," she said.
The Fruehwalds found out about Yoga for Kids, offered every Thursday at the Center for Human Integration, on the campus of the Medical Mission Sisters at 8400 Pine Road.
Dennis Volk, a certified yoga instructor, teaches the ancient science. The 45-minute class is open generally to kids in fifth through eight grades. The cost is $100 for 10 weeks.
The class has helped Rebecca Fruehwald in a couple of ways. It has improved her flexibility and decreased the number of times she falls, leading doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to lessen her medication and injections. In addition, the normally reserved Farrell Elementary School student has announced she wants to dance in her school’s production of the musical Annie.
"I’m very pleased. It’s made a big difference for her confidence," her mom said. "She’s doing things she’s never done before."
The other students take the class for various reasons.
Amanda Seiple and Emily Conroy want to be more flexible. Teddy Danciu and Holly Capponi want more calm in their lives.
"It helps a lot. We do fun things," said Teddy, an 11-year-old from Lower Moreland Township.
Added Holly, an 11-year-old from Old Somerton: "In school, you’re quiet. When you get home, you release all your energy. When you come here, you’re calm again."
Allison Welke and Mary Conroy attend to learn to relax. Heather Capponi, Holly’s 14-year-old sister, wants to relieve stress from school.
"He teaches us how to breathe and helps us calm down and relieve stress," she said of their instructor.
Volk explained that the class gives students better self-control. There is no pressure. Each student is encouraged to do as well as they can and be their own person.
Parents seem happy with the class.
Sally Danciu, Teddy’s mom, said many children today are over-stimulated with computers, video games, television and iPods. She thinks the class has helped her son.
"When he comes out," she said, "he’s still and he’s centered."
Anne Seiple, Amanda’s mom, said her 13-year-old daughter is a former basketball and soccer player, and has a junior black belt in karate.
"This has helped her the most," she said of the yoga class.
Tom Welke, Allison’s dad, said his 9-year-old daughter is hyper, except when she’s in front of the computer or after she has taken a yoga class.
"Since she’s been in it, she’s a lot better," he said.
Heather and Holly Capponi have taken the class for two years.
"They’re already pretty calm kids. This is something to let them stretch and get exercise and keep them out of trouble," said their dad, Tom.
Tania Conroy has taken yoga for six years, and she signed up her daughters in January. The Mayfair mom thinks the focus on breathing techniques and stretching helps her kids relax and gain flexibility.
"It definitely gives you a good framework," she said.
The class is held on a large rug. Volk leads the session as the students sit on a mat in their bare feet or socks. The instructor burns incense and plays music to make the students peaceful. The lights are dim, and his soothing voice announces each posture. His job is to get the young people to focus and hold their postures longer.
The students begin a quiet chant, "Deep breathing is relaxing. To relax, breathe deeply."
A Roxborough resident, Volk has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years and teaching the science for almost a decade. The experience helped him when he worked in the business world.
Volk, who teaches three adult classes at the center, explained that yoga is not based on drugs or religion. Instead, it combines breathing techniques and physical exercise to lessen anxiety and stress. The result is healthier, productive, peaceful individuals less dependent on medication.
"The rewards are tremendous," he said. ••
For more information about the yoga classes, call the Center for Human Integration at 215-742-3505
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com