Frequently Asked Questions...
What is yoga?
The word "yoga" means "union" in Sanskrit, and refers to the union between the mind, body and spirit.
What is usually referred to as "yoga" is more accurately described by the Sanskrit word "asana", the practice of physical postures or poses. Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, which are concerned with mental and spiritual well-being as well as physical activity.
Is yoga a religion?
No.
Yoga is a philosophy that began in India about 5,000 years ago. The father of classical yoga is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the body and mind. Yoga sometimes interweaves religious philosophies (such as Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism), but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice yoga. You do not need to change your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.
Will yoga help me lose weight?
Maybe....
Practicing yoga offers many benefits, including helping you become stronger and more flexible, toning muscles, reducing stress and improving your mental and physical well-being. But, in order to lose weight, you must eat healthily and burn more calories. Yoga will probably not give you the cardiovascular workout you need to burn enough calories to lose weight. But, yoga can still help you lose weight by bringing you to a better understanding of your body, improving self image and sense of well-being, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
More importantly, yoga can teach self-acceptance. So, maybe you don't need to lose that weight....
Can I do yoga even if i'm not flexible?
The word "yoga" means "union" in Sanskrit, and refers to the union between the mind, body and spirit.
What is usually referred to as "yoga" is more accurately described by the Sanskrit word "asana", the practice of physical postures or poses. Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, which are concerned with mental and spiritual well-being as well as physical activity.
Is yoga a religion?
No.
Yoga is a philosophy that began in India about 5,000 years ago. The father of classical yoga is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the body and mind. Yoga sometimes interweaves religious philosophies (such as Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism), but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice yoga. You do not need to change your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.
Will yoga help me lose weight?
Maybe....
Practicing yoga offers many benefits, including helping you become stronger and more flexible, toning muscles, reducing stress and improving your mental and physical well-being. But, in order to lose weight, you must eat healthily and burn more calories. Yoga will probably not give you the cardiovascular workout you need to burn enough calories to lose weight. But, yoga can still help you lose weight by bringing you to a better understanding of your body, improving self image and sense of well-being, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
More importantly, yoga can teach self-acceptance. So, maybe you don't need to lose that weight....
Can I do yoga even if i'm not flexible?
Yes! Being flexible isn’t a requirement for yoga.
In fact, being stiff or inflexible is a perfect reason to start!
Some people are naturally flexible while others have to work longer/harder at it (like me!) . Regular yoga practice will help increase your flexibility, but flexibility isn’t yoga’s only goal or its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga, to promote a healthy body and mind, can be experienced by everyone, so, who cares whether or not you can touch your toes!
In fact, being stiff or inflexible is a perfect reason to start!
Some people are naturally flexible while others have to work longer/harder at it (like me!) . Regular yoga practice will help increase your flexibility, but flexibility isn’t yoga’s only goal or its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga, to promote a healthy body and mind, can be experienced by everyone, so, who cares whether or not you can touch your toes!
Can men do yoga?
Oh yes!! It takes a brave man to try yoga for the first time. Men are sometimes concerned that they will be the only guy in a yoga class or that they are not flexible enough to try yoga. (see above question!). Yoga in the West is seen as being feminine but historically, in the East, yoga was practiced mainly by men. Many yoga poses require lots of strength and actually make more sense for a man's body.
What if other people are better/stronger/more flexible than me?
So what if they are?
Yoga is non-competitive. It doesn't matter if the person on the mat next to you can touch their knees with their nose, or hold a plank for 20 minutes. What's more important is that you listen to your own body and understand what it is capable of doing. Being mindful of yourself is part of what yoga is about.
I have a problem with (insert appropriate illness/injury here). Can I do yoga?
Yes. But with care.
Yoga has proven benefits to many injuries and illnesses when carefully applied.
Please speak to me before a class if you have an injury or other on-going physical concerns. I will then be able to advise you which poses to avoid and how to work around your problem areas. I might even be able to suggest particular poses you can do on your own that could help. Please also check with your GP or consultant.
But........You must take ultimate responsibility for your own body and listen to what it tells you.
What do I need to get started?
All you need to begin practicing yoga is your body and an open mind. :)
But, it is also helpful to have comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, such as a pair of loose jogging bottoms, leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt or vest top. No special footwear is required because you will be barefoot.
Ideally, you will also need a yoga mat. The array of Yoga mats can be bewildering, and the price of some is shocking!
You just need a simple basic yoga mat, available from most supermarkets, amazon, sportshops, Argos (amongst others!) for around £10.
Oh yes!! It takes a brave man to try yoga for the first time. Men are sometimes concerned that they will be the only guy in a yoga class or that they are not flexible enough to try yoga. (see above question!). Yoga in the West is seen as being feminine but historically, in the East, yoga was practiced mainly by men. Many yoga poses require lots of strength and actually make more sense for a man's body.
What if other people are better/stronger/more flexible than me?
So what if they are?
Yoga is non-competitive. It doesn't matter if the person on the mat next to you can touch their knees with their nose, or hold a plank for 20 minutes. What's more important is that you listen to your own body and understand what it is capable of doing. Being mindful of yourself is part of what yoga is about.
I have a problem with (insert appropriate illness/injury here). Can I do yoga?
Yes. But with care.
Yoga has proven benefits to many injuries and illnesses when carefully applied.
Please speak to me before a class if you have an injury or other on-going physical concerns. I will then be able to advise you which poses to avoid and how to work around your problem areas. I might even be able to suggest particular poses you can do on your own that could help. Please also check with your GP or consultant.
But........You must take ultimate responsibility for your own body and listen to what it tells you.
What do I need to get started?
All you need to begin practicing yoga is your body and an open mind. :)
But, it is also helpful to have comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, such as a pair of loose jogging bottoms, leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt or vest top. No special footwear is required because you will be barefoot.
Ideally, you will also need a yoga mat. The array of Yoga mats can be bewildering, and the price of some is shocking!
You just need a simple basic yoga mat, available from most supermarkets, amazon, sportshops, Argos (amongst others!) for around £10.
