About Yoga

 

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s a lot more to yoga than Down Dog!  I’ve put together some of the most popular questions the students ask about yoga to help you understand a bit more about this ancient and powerful practice.

 

I have always been as stiff as a board, so I can’t do yoga.

Unless you are a ballet dancer or gymnast, its very normal if you feel tight, so don’t worry if touching your toes seems impossible.  With regular practice, yoga is extremely effective at improving flexibility.  Flexibility it important as it helps to relieve muscular aches and pains and can prevent injury from falls and tears.  It also feels good to have long, lean muscles!

 

I already work out at the gym, I don’t need to do yoga too.

Although many forms of exercise provide a wonderful physical workout, only yoga can claim to be a therapeutic system that helps heal injuries, improve chronic illness and balance mental stress.

 

I tried a yoga class once and found it too slow and boring.

There are many different styles of yoga and you will need to find which best suits your needs.  Some styles are more gentle and slower paced than others,  which are faster and more challenging.

 

Is yoga a religion?

No, Yoga is not a religion, its a technique of physical movements leading to improved health.  If yoga has a belief system, its simply to become more connected to your body, mind and spirit.

 

I cant do yoga – I like to go out with my friends for a couple of glasses of wine.

Relax… you can still enjoy a few glasses of wine and be a yogi.  Over time, you may find yourself naturally leaning towards a healthier lifestyle, but there’s no requirement to change.

 

Do I have to be a vegetarian to do yoga?

No.  The ancient yoga texts advise yogis to follow the principle of Ahimsa, or non-harming.  Many yogis apply this to their lifestyle choices and decide to become a vegetarian.  However, its up to each individual practitioner to make their own decision.

 

Will yoga help me lose weight?

Yoga can be an important part of your weight management program.  As well as the exercise component, yogic breathing and meditation techniques can help regulate your metabolism and appetite as well as reducing stress, a key factor in weight management.  Yoga is a ‘whole person’ practice that is designed to improve your overall wellbeing and can effectively compliment other weight loss programs such as diet and targeted exercise regimes.

 

What does OM Mean?

The word OM is often chanted at the beginning or end of yoga classes.  It’s said to be the ancient sound of the universe that brought all of creation into being.  When yogi’s chant the mantra OM, it represents the eternally moving, pulsating, transformative nature of the universe.

 

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