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Yoga FAQ's
What is yoga?
Yoga is a total system of health and fitness that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga means “yoke” or “union” and was designed to bring the mind, body and spirit in to balance for complete health. This is accomplished through a series of yoga poses called “asana” and specific breathing and relaxation techniques.
Is yoga a religion?
No. Yoga is a philosophy. The physical and psychological benefits of yoga are real and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender or any other way people categorize themselves. Yoga lends itself to spirituality, which compliments many formal religious practices.
What are some of the benefits of yoga?
The first benefit you may notice is reduced stress and anxiety. Yoga also has many physical benefits including increased flexibility, strength and circulation. As the body and mind come more in to harmony, students also notice improved concentration, energy and an overall sense of well-being.
Is yoga for me?
What if I’m stiff, overweight or a senior citizen?
The only prerequisite is being able to breathe. You don’t have to be flexible or strong to do yoga. Share your concerns and limitations with your yoga teacher who will show you how each yoga posture can be modified and still provide a satisfying workout. Yoga is not competitive. Each student is encouraged to go at his or her own pace. Simply listen to your body and follow your breath.
Can yoga help me lose weight?
Yoga can make you look and feel better regardless of your weight. That said, yoga helps you slim down in many ways. Practicing yoga will tone and firm the body, reduce body fat and create lean, long muscles. The relaxation techniques can help to curb “stress eating”. As you advance to more challenging classes, you can burn calories at a vigorous rate. Yoga is about healthy living and a healthy diet. That doesn’t mean that you have to be a vegetarian, just that you should be conscious of your diet.
What if I’ve had an injury or recent surgery?
Depending on how serious, you may want to consult with your medical provider before starting yoga or any exercise program. Be sure to tell your yoga teacher about your condition so he/she can suggest ways you can modify your practice to facilitate healing.
How often should I practice yoga?
As much as you would like! Unlike many forms of exercise, yoga does not require a period of rest between practices, so you can practice as often as you would like. Ideally, a commitment to practice twice a week helps to make yoga a part of daily living.
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