Yoga and competition are not two words people tend to put together. But in Pinedale this weekend, Wyoming will host its first regional yoga competition. 25 competitors of all ages are scheduled to demonstrate a three-minute silent routine with five poses. Darcie Peck is the event’s organizer and the owner of Wind River Yoga and Bodyworks. She says yoga competitions have been held for centuries and were especially popular in India in the 1930’s.
“They’re being scored on the way they move in and out of the postures with breath, grace, poise and ease,” Peck says. “So they’re not looking for those people who are super bendy and flexible and contortionists.”
Rather, Peck says, competitors are judged more on learned techniques than flexibility. She says the goal is to educate people that yoga isn’t necessarily religious in nature, but can be a purely physical activity. That way it can be included in school athletic programs.
The event is open to the public and will be held at 1p.m.this Saturday at the Pinedale High School Auditorium.
