‘Be Happy Yoga’ promotes wellness for Mental Health Month

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – During Mental Health Awareness Month, wellness remains at the forefront of conversations about taking care of both the body and mind.

Many people turn to various outlets to support their mental and physical health, and over the past two decades, yoga has seen a steady rise in popularity. In 2022 alone, 38.4 million Americans practiced yoga.

One of the many studios contributing to that growth is Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave, located in Bowling Green.

Susan Polk, a longtime instructor and owner of the studio, is quick to dispel a common myth. “Yoga is so much more than just stretching,” she said. Polk explains that yoga builds strength and balance, while also toning muscles—including the abdominal muscles—and improving circulation.

Experts agree that yoga can help manage stress, boost energy. and even promote heart health. At Be Happy, classes range from gentle yoga to chair yoga and prenatal yoga, offering something for everyone.

However, wellness professionals recommend combining yoga with other forms of physical activity—such as cardio, strength training, or outdoor movement—for a more well-rounded fitness routine.

“Muscles around the joints can get tight with weight training,” Polk notes. “Yoga is a really good complement to other types of workouts.”

Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave is celebrating nine years of business in 2025, continuing its mission to promote both physical and mental well-being in the community.

To learn more about their offerings, here.