Why should I practice yoga?
Because its fun and healthy! Many people come to yoga primarily for physical and mental benefits. While yoga asanas are healing and effective for body and mind, yoga is so much more. Yoga is a lifestyle and a commitment. It is an opportunity to fulfill a promise to ourselves, which builds confidence, faith and responsibility. Yoga is an invitation to live deeply and to experience every moment meaningfully.
How often should I practice?
Yoga asks us to take responsibility for our goal setting. For example, if your goal is to gain mastery in asana, or become a teacher you might choose to practice 6 days a week. If you are serious about changing injurious body patterns or lifestyle habits, you will see best results if you practice several times per week. If you would like to be spontaneous and prefer not to have definitive goals, practice at your leisure.
Whats the best time of day to practice?
It depends on your schedule, what is reasonable and what you want to experience. In the pre-dawn hours the benefits are mental spaciousness, and a greater ability to connect with the spirit. Mid-morning, the body has good stamina, though you may have to work through some stiffness. This is a good time for a powerful practice and backbends. The body is more flexible in the afternoon. Try poses that require suppleness like hip openers and seated poses. I also like inversions because they stimulate the brain for the rest of the days activities. The evening is the time that the body and brain start to slowly settle again. A yoga practice can help move out excess energy that is not allowing you to focus or relax for bedtime. If your practice is too late and too vigorous, it could over-stimulate you and not allow you to get settled for bed. Ask yourself what you would like to gain from your practice that day and go from there. You are free to change your mind at any time!
Is yoga a whole body workout?
Yoga isn't just a workout, its 'a practice'. Yoga asanas, or postures, tone and heal the outer as well as the inner body. The asanas bring balance to the endocrine system, which balances our moods, muscles and metabolism. Each of the asanas targets specific muscular, organ and glandular systems. Prananyama (breath work) and meditation help balance both the right and left hemispheres of the brain; clearing the clutter and releasing cerebrospinal fluid. Yoga is preventative. "May you never know what you are preventing by practicing.
What do I wear?
Wear non-binding clothing that does not inhibit your range of motion. With so many stretchy, high-performance fabrics available, the choices are endless. Cotton, bamboo and wool breathe the best. If you sweat a lot, you might opt for something with wicking properties. Wearing layers ensures that you will be able to adjust your temperature as needed.
How long should I wait after eating before I practice?
It depends. I generally wait a couple of hours after eating a meal to practice. The best thing to do is to listen to your body. Give yourself adequate time to digest so that you can practice in comfort.
Is yoga only for the young and ultra-flexible?
Definitely not and we hear this all the time. Gaining flexibility and combating the effects of aging are both great reasons to start practicing. It is never too late to begin taking care of yourself and optimizing your wellbeing. You are never too stiff (this is what yoga addresses, bringing balance to your body), and what you do with your life starts right now, regardless of your age. That's the beauty of yoga... it begins here, now.
Pain: Ankles
In any pose, be sure your foundation is set and your body is in good alignment. Its best to check in with a qualified instructor in person. Many pain issues are resolved with a simple adjustment, which can be offered by someone with a trained eye. If no teacher is available in your area, listen to our classes carefully and look in a mirror very closely to see if you are doing exactly what is recommended. After the foundation is established, activating muscle energy in the feet and lower legs is a key pain preventer, along with attention to ankle and shin loops.
Pain: General (from an injury or in a specific pose)
Remember every 'body' is different. It is recommended to seek out a qualified yoga instructor for answers to specific questions in regards to your discomfort or injury. Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing acute pain.
Women Specific: What poses should I avoid during my period?
The orthodox approach would be to discontinue practice during your cycle, as it is not recommended to engage your bandhas in this condition. Light practice that avoids inversions and intensity is a good alternative. A restorative sequence is calming and comforting during this time.
Women Specific: Until what stage of pregnancy is it safe to practice yoga?
Consult with your doctor. Practicing right up to delivery is often acceptable if the right modifications are made as your pregnancy progresses. Again, this question is personal and it is more important than ever to stay acutely aware of your own medical conditions, as well as the health of the pregnancy. If you become pregnant soon after beginning a yoga practice for the first time, be more prudent and ask a lot of questions from qualified instructors. Seek out prenatal yoga classes if they are available in your area.
Women Specific: What poses should I avoid if pregnant?
By the sixth to eighth week, avoid twisting and laying on your belly. Use props and make modifications for comfort if needed. Every pregnancy is different so always consult your physician to be sure.
Men Specific: Is yoga for guys?
Yes! Of course. ? The first yoga teachers ages ago were men only. Try it, you will see.
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