Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – If you practice yoga or attend yoga classes as part of your health and fitness regimen, listen up. You are inviting the devil into your body, according to a Manila archbishop.

Msgr. Jay Bandojo, who has special permission to perform exorcisms, said in a recent talk that “When you practice yoga, you are told to ‘empty your mind’ while saying [the mantra] ‘om,’ so you can feel relaxed. But when you empty yourself, you’re opening yourself to demonic possession. You have to be careful because demons might take advantage of this empty vessel of your soul and possess it.”

The belief in occult practices, feng shui, lucky charms, amulets, fortune-telling, astrology, horoscope, transcendental meditation and similar practices also allow demons to have a claim over a person, said Bandojo.

In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, this statement from a church official can have a devastating impact on its citizens. It can change lifestyles and bring about massive unemployment.  Think about the yoga instructors, architects, fortune tellers, astrologists and trinket vendors who will lose their jobs.

Asked what alternative fitness activity Catholics can engage in, Bandojo recommended Zumba, the dance fitness craze that has recently taken the country by storm. In fact, the Philippines just broke the Guinness world record for the largest single Zumba class.

“You see, in Zumba, both your mind and body are constantly in motion. Even if the devil tries to take over your person, it will always be shaken out as you go through your dance routine,” Bandojo said.

So, let go of your ‘oms.’ Instead, practice saying ‘Shake it, shake it’ and sign up for a Zumba class near you.