1. What is yoga?
The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is often interpreted as meaning yoke or union. Yoga is about creating balance in the body through developing both physical & emotional strength and flexibility. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing. It challenges you and rises up to help you at the same time.
2. Is yoga a religion?
I remember being in yoga school and we were in a chant that was so uplifting and loving that it brought tears to my eyes. But the real beauty was in the words you heard in the room. Each student had their own beliefs, religions, intentions for worship and so while the melody and the heartfelt expression was so similiar the names and words were completely different and yet we all buzzed in unision. Yoga is contained within religions. Religion is not contained within Yoga..Yoga can be a spiritual pursuit, but it is not a religion. It does not dictate the nature of a God, entity or deity to be worshipped. Therefore yoga may be practiced by religious people without worry that they are straying from their core beliefs.
3. How often should I do yoga?
Since yoga consists of an array of techniques from physical postures (asanas) to breath work (pranaymama), meditation, self study, practicing right morals, and focus to name a few, there is an opportunity to infuse yoga into your daily life. A part of yoga can be done at anytime, anywhere. I will teach you how.
4. What is the difference between hot yoga, hatha yoga and all those different ones I see out there?
You will find an array of classes out from Ashtanga to Bikram to Restorative. Click here to learn about the different styles.
5. Should I wait until I lose some weight or feel better before I start yoga?
No, not unless you have doctor’s order. And, if you feel that there is a need for concern you always want to consult with your doctor before taking on a new regimen. But, there is a yoga practice for everyone that will benefit their needs right where they are at in most cases.
You do not need to wait to find the benefits of: pain relief, loosen stiff muscles, increase mobility, reduce symptoms of arthritis in the joints, help with chronic disorders, help improve hormone levels, help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep soundly, help regulate hormone levels that affect your inner clock and sleep cycles, mental balance, more energy, boost immune system functionality, lower blood sugar to name a few.
6. Why should I add yoga to my normal exercise program?
Yoga postures and exercises focus on all of the joints of the body, including joints you probably don’t use regularly. Yoga can strengthen problem joints such as the knees, hips and ankles. Yoga training leads to increased spinal flexibility and core strength, both of which can reduce chronic problems such as lower back pain and increase your overall physical strength. Because yoga also exercises ligaments and tendons, your joints will lubricate more effectively, reducing joint pain.
Yoga training may be the only form of exercise that stimulates your internal organs which may help prevent disease by maintaining organ health.
Yoga training offers a number of psychological benefits. It can increase your powers of mental concentration and significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety. It improves your balance, strength and overall flexibility. It also is useful in preventing sport related injuries.
7. Is yoga expensive?
It does not need to be. If you haven’t picked up on it yet, yoga can be done anywhere with very little other than yourself and a mat. There are free online classes to watch on YouTube.com, free yoga classes in the parks and there is always some type of “love donation” class through Meet Up. And yes, you can travel the world abroad on retreats, get one-on-one sessions catered to your schedule & needs, and you can incorporate a bunch of other add ons. But, the reality is, it only cost your time and attention.
8. What do you actually do in a class?
Every teacher is different and depending on the class you decided to take it will vary. But, typically you can expect for it to take an hour. You can expect to have a warm up period, maybe some music playing in the background, you will be guided by your teacher through ease pose, you will be given insight, you may be adjusted as you go by your teacher to help align your body into the proper pose, you should also have the winding down period known as Shavasana which is the best kept secret known to man.
9. I am not flexible at all. Could I even do yoga?
Yes. Flexibility is something that is increased as you develop your yoga practice. And when you are just starting out it is so exciting to know that this is only the beginning. Each pose can be modified to suit your body where it is at, right now.
10. What do I wear or bring to a class?
You want to be comfortable and able to move easily. For woman it is common to have yoga pants or some type of stretch pants, a sports bra and a loose fitting tank top or workout shirt. Men usually wear shorts. Some men wear bike shorts underneath their regular shorts because they find it comfortable for the poses that are typically done. Along with a t-shirt or tank top. No socks or sneakers needed. A mat. Most studios have mats to rent out for $1 or $2 and sometimes they are free.
Also:
Water bottle
Small towel to wipe off sweat
An open mind