FAQ'S
Is Yoga considered exercise?
Yes, Yoga is considered exercise. Postures, breathwork, meditation
and chanting all contribute to physical health and well-being.
How often should someone engage in Yoga activities?
Yoga practice can be participated in on a daily basis and can
range from minutes to hours. If you have very limited time it
is still beneficial to practice. The effects of Yoga are cumulative.
Can you get involved in Yoga at any age / in any physical
condition?
A person is never too young or old to start Yoga. Yoga can be
done while lying down, seated in a chair, or moving about vigorously.
People with specific health issues such as hypertension, scoliosis,
arthritis, fibromyalgia, obesity, heart conditions, Parkinson's
disease, multiple sclerosis, stress, etc. will especially benefit
from Yoga.
What are some of the health benefits of practicing Yoga?
Health benefits from Yoga include, but are not limited to, increased
strength, muscle tone, flexibility, and bone density. Yoga improves
the function of the organs and the systems of the body. Yoga
also corrects postural distortions. Through Yoga, stress is greatly
reduced and equilibrium of body, mind, and spirit are restored.
What equipment is needed to start a Yoga program?
There is no special equipment needed to begin Yoga practice.
Although, if you are practicing outdoors or on a hardwood floor
you may want to obtain a "sticky mat" for cushioning
and non-slip purposes.
Is Yoga for men as well as women?
Yoga is definitely for men as well as women. Men tend to be less
flexible than women so they benefit all the more from practicing
Yoga. Yoga increases range of motion, decreases risk of injury
that may be encountered through other activities such as sports
and weight lifting.
Does Yoga involve meditation?
Yes, Yoga can involve meditation. The postures and breathwork
prepare the physical body and mind for meditation by providing
a pathway of release for stored mental, emotional, and physical
blockages known as "Samskara". This is considered a
meditation in motion. A person may then find it more comfortable
and effortless to participate in a seated meditation after having
completed "Hatha" Yoga (the physical part of the practice),
although Hatha Yoga is not a prerequisite to a still meditation.
Does an individual need to be flexible in order to start
Yoga?
If an individual is not flexible then that is all the more reason
to practice Yoga.
How should an individual find and choose a Yoga class and
instructor that is suitable for them?
An individual should choose a yoga class that is designed to
allow a beginner to build a foundation that can be taken into
"ongoing" classes. For example, a once a week, 8 to
10 week series of "beginner" classes is usually recommended
before attending ongoing classes.
An individual should choose an instructor that he or she feels comfortable with. This comfort level should also apply to the space in which the practice will take place. This space should be safe and sacred.
Can Yoga help me relieve stress?
Yoga relaxes, rejuvenates, and frees the body and mind of thoughts
and emotions that cause stress.