Hatha Yoga Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga?
What is the meaning of Asana?
What is Pranayama?
What are the benefits of yoga?
Has there been any formal research into the benefits of yoga?
What are the diseases that can be cured by yoga?
Can yoga control high blood pressure?
Is yoga for everyone? What if I'm stiff and out of shape?
I'm not very fit or flexible – can I still do yoga?
Is there any age limit while performing yoga?
What if I cannot do a certain yoga pose?
I'm afraid I wont be able to hold the posture…or I'll look foolish!
Why do I feel nervous about coming to my first class?
I tried yoga once and I couldn’t walk the next day!
How is yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?
Will yoga help me lose weight?
Is yoga a religion?
What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?
How often should I attend yoga class?
What should I wear and bring to class?
Is it okay to eat before practicing yoga?
Is it okay to practice yoga during pregnancy?
Do I need to have my own mat?
Must I pre-register before coming to class?
Gentle Beginners
Beginners
Mixed
Intermediate
Advanced
Where can I find out more about yoga?
What is yoga?
Developed in India, yoga is a psych-physical discipline with roots going back about 5000 years. yoga classes include breathing exercises called “pranayama” and yoga postures called “Asanas” and deep relaxation techniques for stress relief. yoga provides a well-rounded mind/body workout using breath and movement to deepen self-awareness, concentration and inner calmness while building tone and strength, increasing flexibility and balance, and improving coordination. yoga is well known for it effectiveness in integrating the body and the mind. This means working on physical as well as mindfulness goals through concentration and focus on your present moment experience. This inward focus gradually leads to a quieter mind, inner calmness, and physical health.
What is the meaning of Asana?
Asana is a steady and comfortable posture of the body.
What is Pranayama?
Pranayama means controlling the prana i.e. bio energy which is behind all activities of the body.
What are the benefits of yoga?
There are many benefits of practicing yoga, here are ten to name a few:
l. You'll feel more relaxed and learn to stay relaxed.
2. Your overall muscle tone improves as well as alignment.
3. You'll add vitality to your spine, improving all systems of the body, especially the glands and nerves.
4. Digestion improves; gas and bloating lessens.
5. Your lungs expand, increasing oxygen intake.
6. You'll sleep better.
7. You'll be less tired during the day with higher energy.
8. Your immune system will strengthen.
9. You'll learn to set aside time for yourself.
10. You'll learn to trust yourself more.
Has there been any formal research into the benefits of yoga?
Studies in the United states and India suggest that you can help conditions such as stress, anxiety , epilepsy, asthma, spondilitis, digestive disorders, menstrual difficulties, and insomnia. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years and evidence suggests numerous physical and psychological benefits. The yoga Site’s yoga Therapy Report covers some of the latest studies reported in research journals. In addition, it includes a list of some of the major organizations researching yoga therapy.
Which are the diseases that can be cured by yoga?
yoga can be useful in reducing the effects of diseases like Hypertension, spondilitis, Asthma, Arthritis, Slipped Disc, Digestive disorders, Menstrual disorders, Insomnia.
Can yoga help control High Blood Pressure?
Studies have shown that certain yoga practices can help some patients control their high blood pressure. In general, yoga promotes health, a sense of calm and relaxation. In addition, it teaches you to be aware of your body and to listen to the signals it sends – all of which can be very useful.
Specific techniques that may be helpful controlling high blood pressure include diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing, which has been shown to reduce stress and induce relaxation, and a pranayama technique called alternate nostril breathing which also helps reduce stress and induce relaxation. Moreover, there have been a number of studies that show meditation can be a great help in controlling blood pressure.
Is yoga for everyone? What if I'm stiff and out of shape?
yoga classes vary greatly in level of difficulty. Classes range from Gentle yoga; for beginners who are more out of shape and need to start slowly, to classes that develop and require more endurance and ability to move comfortably.
I’m not very fit or flexible – can I still do yoga?
This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. yoga is not about how flexible you are, but about strengthening your body and spine in all directions. You can enjoy the benefits of yoga regardless of your level of flexibility! Through yoga practice, you’ll become more flexible. yoga has something for everybody, including athletes who may have tight muscle groups due to exercise and also for people who are just starting out their fitness program.
Is there any age limit while performing yoga?
There is no limitation of age. yoga can be practiced at all ages, but one should do only those asanas that are suitable to one’s physical condition.
What if I cannot do a certain yoga pose?
We will never embarrass or ridicule you but find one that works for your body and skill. We create a safe environment where each student learns and absorbs at an individual level.
I'm afraid I won’t be able to hold the posture…or I’ll look foolish!
In class, you can work within your own limits. If you need to come out of a posture and rest, you should definitely do so! yoga is non-competitive: everyone’s body is different, and each student will find some postures easy and others difficult. I maintain a safe, comfortable, non-competitive environment in my classes. It doesn’t matter what the student next to you is doing- this is your chance to focus on you without fear or comparisons or judgement. yoga is truly for everybody.
Why do I feel nervous coming to my first class?
It’s all new and different. I will never compare you to others or make you feel self-conscious. yoga, ultimately, is about healing self-consciousness to transform into self confidence.
I tried yoga once and I couldn’t walk the next day!
Each posture can be adapted to different skill levels. As you become more accustomed to yoga, you can move onto deeper variations of each posture. I can help you adapt the postures to your level of ability and help you practice yoga safely. yoga will teach you to listen to your body and work within your limits.
How is yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented: how many push-ups can I do? Can I touch my toes? yoga by contrast is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you’re doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In yoga, you succeed by trying. yoga involves more conscious awareness of breath and the work you are doing with your body. Poses and movements are unique and have specific purposes and effects on the body. The breath is used to deepen stretches and flexibility. Focus and concentration are key ingredients in yoga practice.
Will yoga help me lose weight?
Yoga can make you look and feel better, regardless of your weight. That being said, yoga can help you slim down in a couple of ways. First, the exercises will help you burn calories. In addition, they help tone muscles and improve your posture. yoga can help you to lose weight gradually and permanently when you practice regularly and eat reasonably. yoga improves the digestion capacity of the body which reduces excess fat consumption by the body. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can lose inches and develop muscle tone and strength that might never come from other forms of exercise. As you become stronger and develop greater stamina, a more intensive yoga practice will help your body maintain weight control and excellent tone.
Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a practical approach to healthy living based on a philosophy that mind, body and spirit are one. yoga has many branches and practices besides Hatha yoga, the physical fitness part of yoga. There are many excellent books that explain yoga in depth.
What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?
Before you begin any exercise program, get permission from your physician or physical therapist. If you have medical approval to exercise, be sure to inform your yoga instructor of your condition and limitations. Take care of yourself in class and avoid doing anything that doesn't feel right or that causes you pain. It is recommended that you work with the same yoga instructor regularly rather than take random classes from different teachers. You might want to include some Active Isolated Stretching and Soft Tissue Release are 2 very effective treatment modalities in alleviating pain and recovery from surgery. For more information, click here.
How often should I attend yoga class?
Anything is better than nothing! Once a week is fine and can be complemented with one to three home practices.
What should I wear and bring to class?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing. Make sure you can kneel, squat and reach down toward your toes without being encumbered by clothing. Avoid wearing very large T-shirts and tight fitting pants other than exercise pants that stretch. Shorts, sweats, leggings, non-bulky T-shirts, leotards, and fitness wear are all appropriate.
Is it okay to eat before practicing yoga?
Never exercise on a full stomach. Before exercising, wait at least three hours after eating a main meal. After completing a yoga class, wait about a quarter of an hour before eating.
Is it okay to practice yoga during pregnancy?
It's okay to continue practicing yoga while you are pregnant. yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed -- all of which is good for the baby, too. In general, however, you want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures, especially in the later stages. Click here for more information about Prenatal yoga.
Still if you are pregnant, please talk with your doctor before beginning any yoga program.
It is also very important that you let your instructor know prior to the start of class.
Do I need to have my own mat?
Mats and other props are provided at no extra charge . If you prefer to use your own mat you may purchase one.
Must I pre-register before coming to class?
You should pre-register for class to insure that you have a space in the class. If you prefer to drop-in, simply call the day a class begins to make sure there is still space available.
Gentle Beginners: An easy-does-it class with emphasis on breath, warm ups that loosen stiff joints and yoga poses that improve balance, strength, flexibility and tone.
Beginners:Ideal for the beginning student, this class offers many important basics of proper form and practice. You will learn a variety of yoga postures and sequences including forward bends, backbends, twists, side stretches, and gentle inversions.
Mixed:All students who have taken Beginners yoga are welcome. We suggest no brand new beginners. A great practice class for those who have attended yoga before.
Intermediate:A more challenging practice class, Intermediate yoga emphasizes Sun Salutations, sequencing poses, alignment, preparation for more advanced asanas, breath work and deepening awareness.
Where can I find more information about yoga?
There is a plethora of information on the internet. Try websites like www.yogadirectory.com, orwww.yogafinder.com . Some excellent yoga publications include yoga Journal or yoga International magazine
All classes at Bodyworks yoga are limited to about 10 students each so that teachers and assistants can give personalized attention to each student.
