Independence Blue Cross Extends Free Yoga in the Garden Sessions for Another Month

Sept. 12, 19, and 26, 1 p.m. at the PHS Pops Up Garden, 20th and Market Streets

Philadelphia, PA – September 9, 2011. Independence Blue Cross is proud to extend “Standing Yoga in the Garden” through September 26 due to its popularity among the more than 150 participants who participated in August. Held on Mondays in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's (PHS) Pops Up Garden at 20th and Market Streets, this free basic yoga class makes that first day of the work week easier to manage, but more importantly, can be the first step toward increasing physical activity, which will have a lasting impact on health.

Part of Independence Blue Cross’s IBX Healthy Steps program, the yoga sessions are open to the public and will be offered on three consecutive Mondays from September 12 through 26, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. The classes provide wellness for the mind, body, and spirit, and adults of all ages are encouraged to come practice their warrior, chair, tree, and other yoga poses in one of the city’s most tranquil settings.

Taught by registered Yoga Alliance teacher Dana Bender, these basic yoga classes are free of charge and open to participants of all fitness levels. Center city Philadelphia workers, students, residents, or visitors can enjoy the stress-relieving physical and mental health benefits associated with yoga. The Pops Up Garden offers a great location to learn or practice standing yoga.

Focusing on effective yoga breathing techniques as well as precise alignment, standing yoga poses can be done in the comfort of a home garden or nearly any exercise space. Participants must be at least 18 years old, sign a waiver upon arrival, and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Yoga mats are not required.

The IBX Healthy Steps program is focused on making incremental lifestyle changes that can have a lasting impact on one’s health. In addition to Yoga in the Garden, Independence Blue Cross launched the second phase of its IBX Healthy Steps social media campaign — Get Out, Get Fit! — which focuses on practical fitness tips and fun ways to get physically active. Through its sponsorship of the Pops Up Garden, Independence Blue Cross remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve.

All PHS Pops Up events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, weather permitting. Bring a friend or coworker! Participants are advised to consult their physician before beginning any new type of exercise.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 73 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. More information about Independence Blue Cross is available at www.ibx.com.

Contact:  
Karen Burnham
Karen.burnham@ibx.com
215-241-3106

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