Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India approximately 5,000 years ago. The physical and psychological benefits of Yoga don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, political persuasion or any other way people like (or dislike) to categorize themselves. Many people practice Yoga without conflict with their religious beliefs, however, Yoga is connected to many forms of Indian spirituality and draws on many Eastern beliefs such as karma, dharma, reincarnation, Atman, etc.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a mind-body-spirit discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the physical postures called “asanas,” breathing exercises called “pranayama,” and meditation. The word “Yoga” means union. Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is either union with God or with the true Self. The focus in Western culture is often more focused on the health benefits of Yoga which include improved physical fitness, mental clarity, decreased depression and anxiety, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.
What’s the best way to get started, especially if I’m out of shape?
Find a qualified Yoga teacher and go at your own pace, while respecting your own current limitations. Never push yourself to do something which causes pain! Yoga is not a competition or a comparison to the person next to you; it is a personal process of growth. Remember, Yoga is designed to help everyone regardless of physical condition. Find a style that works for you and always listen to your body.
What should I bring to a Yoga class? What should I wear?
If you have a Yoga mat or props, feel free to bring them with you. If not, there are plenty here that can be used. You may want to bring a bottle of water with you. Dress comfortably in clothing that allows for stretching and movement, without getting in your way. If you have long hair, you may want to bring a hair tie with you. Yoga is done barefoot, so no special shoes or socks are necessary. If you wear dangling jewelry, you may want to remove it during class if it becomes an imposition or a distraction to you. Most importantly, bring yourself!
Why is it best to refrain from eating before a Yoga class?
Yoga involves many twists, turns and bends. If food has not been fully digested before coming to class, you may feel very uncomfortable if not downright sick. If you have a high metabolism or are afraid you might get sick from not eating prior to class, experiment with a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Is Yoga aerobic exercise?
Yes and no and both. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Some styles, such as those that have a strong focus on the flow of one posture to another will lead to a greater aerobic workout than other styles such as yin, which are more calm and still in practice.
What’s the difference between Yoga and just plain stretching and normal exercise?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented whereasYoga can be seen as a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are 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 and allowing your body the daily fluctuations it is bound to go through. This factor is absent in traditional exercise, which can lead goal oriented practices to failing. In Yoga, it is recognized that the body has its own process and that things will vary from day to day, and even minute to minute. Honoring the limitations of the body and doing what is needed for the body in any particular moment is what differentiates Yoga from traditional exercise. The ability to be in the moment and always respect the current needs and limitations of the body enable Yoga to be a healing and calming process in addition to a form of physical exercise.
Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga?
A primary principle of Yoga philosophy is ahimsa, or non-violence to self and others. Being a vegetarian is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will affect those who live with you. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you impose on others; to do so would be an aggressive action in itself a violation of the practice of ahimsa.
Will Yoga help me lose weight?
It can; that all depends on you. The exercises will help you burn calories, tone muscles and improve posture as well as helping you to incorporate a healthy impression of yourself. Another part of Yoga practice is healthy living, which includes a healthy diet. Be conscious of the foods you eat, sticking with natural, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, etc. as much as possible while limiting your intake of junk food and high fat foods. Combine all of this together and you are likely to look and feel better regardless of the intensity of your practice.
Is it okay to practice Yoga while 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. In general, you want to avoid any strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures; as such, a traditional yoga class may not work well during pregnancy. There are specific classes designed for mothers-to-be to focus specifically on the needs to pregnant women. Otherwise, always make sure to take classes from a certified Yoga instructor that knows how to modify poses for your pregnant body’s need!
Should women do Yoga during menses?
It is a matter of personal preference. For women who do choose to practice, it is suggested that they avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners or energizing breaths, such as breath of fire. These practices may interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.
Yoga FAQ’s
Is Yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India approximately 5,000 years ago. The physical and psychological benefits of Yoga don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, political persuasion or any other way people like (or dislike) to categorize themselves. Many people practice Yoga without conflict with their religious beliefs, however, Yoga is connected to many forms of Indian spirituality and draws on many Eastern beliefs such as karma, dharma, reincarnation, Atman, etc.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a mind-body-spirit discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the physical postures called “asanas,” breathing exercises called “pranayama,” and meditation. The word “Yoga” means union. Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is either union with God or with the true Self. The focus in Western culture is often more focused on the health benefits of Yoga which include improved physical fitness, mental clarity, decreased depression and anxiety, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.
What’s the best way to get started, especially if I’m out of shape?
Find a qualified Yoga teacher and go at your own pace, while respecting your own current limitations. Never push yourself to do something which causes pain! Yoga is not a competition or a comparison to the person next to you; it is a personal process of growth. Remember, Yoga is designed to help everyone regardless of physical condition. Find a style that works for you and always listen to your body.
What should I bring to a Yoga class? What should I wear?
If you have a Yoga mat or props, feel free to bring them with you. If not, there are plenty here that can be used. You may want to bring a bottle of water with you. Dress comfortably in clothing that allows for stretching and movement, without getting in your way. If you have long hair, you may want to bring a hair tie with you. Yoga is done barefoot, so no special shoes or socks are necessary. If you wear dangling jewelry, you may want to remove it during class if it becomes an imposition or a distraction to you. Most importantly, bring yourself!
Why is it best to refrain from eating before a Yoga class?
Yoga involves many twists, turns and bends. If food has not been fully digested before coming to class, you may feel very uncomfortable if not downright sick. If you have a high metabolism or are afraid you might get sick from not eating prior to class, experiment with a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Is Yoga aerobic exercise?
Yes and no and both. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Some styles, such as those that have a strong focus on the flow of one posture to another will lead to a greater aerobic workout than other styles such as yin, which are more calm and still in practice.
What’s the difference between Yoga and just plain stretching and normal exercise?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented whereas Yoga can be seen as a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are 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 and allowing your body the daily fluctuations it is bound to go through. This factor is absent in traditional exercise, which can lead goal oriented practices to failing. In Yoga, it is recognized that the body has its own process and that things will vary from day to day, and even minute to minute. Honoring the limitations of the body and doing what is needed for the body in any particular moment is what differentiates Yoga from traditional exercise. The ability to be in the moment and always respect the current needs and limitations of the body enable Yoga to be a healing and calming process in addition to a form of physical exercise.
Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga?
A primary principle of Yoga philosophy is ahimsa, or non-violence to self and others. Being a vegetarian is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will affect those who live with you. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you impose on others; to do so would be an aggressive action in itself a violation of the practice of ahimsa.
Will Yoga help me lose weight?
It can; that all depends on you. The exercises will help you burn calories, tone muscles and improve posture as well as helping you to incorporate a healthy impression of yourself. Another part of Yoga practice is healthy living, which includes a healthy diet. Be conscious of the foods you eat, sticking with natural, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, etc. as much as possible while limiting your intake of junk food and high fat foods. Combine all of this together and you are likely to look and feel better regardless of the intensity of your practice.
Is it okay to practice Yoga while 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. In general, you want to avoid any strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures; as such, a traditional yoga class may not work well during pregnancy. There are specific classes designed for mothers-to-be to focus specifically on the needs to pregnant women. Otherwise, always make sure to take classes from a certified Yoga instructor that knows how to modify poses for your pregnant body’s need!
Should women do Yoga during menses?
It is a matter of personal preference. For women who do choose to practice, it is suggested that they avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners or energizing breaths, such as breath of fire. These practices may interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.