YOGA FAQ’S
Q. Where does yoga come from?
A. Yoga comes from the Indian subcontinent.
Q. How long has yoga been around?
A. Yoga’s roots began 5,000 years ago. It was an oral tradition passed down from guru to student. 3,000 years ago the sage Pantajali committed to writing the teachings of the gurus in the “Yoga Sutras”, which are still followed today.
Q. What does yoga mean?
A. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning yoke or union. It’s the union of body, mind and spirit.
Q. Do you have to be flexible to do yoga?
A. Flexibility is a result of yoga, not a prerequisite. Yoga helps you become flexible over time.
Q. I’ve heard yoga is easy and it’s not a workout. Is that true?
A. Yoga is surprisingly challenging. While it doesn’t look like you’re doing much, yoga is a complete workout because it works all the muscle groups. You can easily work up a sweat, build strength, tone your muscles and find stress relief all at the same time.
Q. What are the benefits of yoga?
A. On the physical level, yoga:
• Reduces blood pressure
• Aids in pain reduction
• Increases immune system function
• Counteracts stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine
• Activates the left pre-frontal cortex, the area associated with positive emotion
On the mental level, yoga:
• Enhances peace of mind and happiness, and mental clarity
• Improves productivity, focus, concentration, creativity, mood and attitude
• Provides relief from depression
• Refocuses negative and debilitating thought patterns and emotions
Q. What do I need to bring to a yoga class?
A. Wear workout clothes that you can move around in, water, and a small towel. Bring a yoga (not Pilates) matt, which you can get for between $7 and $30 at Target, Ulta3,and Whole Foods-type stores. Yoga studios also carry mats and other yoga props.
. An open mind and adventuresome spirit helps, too! Don’t eat for two hours prior to class.
Q. What are the different types of yoga?
A. When most people think of yoga, they think of Hatha Yoga, the physical postures or poses known as “asanas”. People usually associate Hatha Yoga with restorative yoga, which is a very gentle, relaxing form of yoga. There are other types of Hatha Yoga as well: Ashtanga is a physically demanding form of yoga that involves strength, endurance, flexibility and is a cardiovascular workout. Sting and Madonna practice Ashtanga yoga. There is also Inyengar yoga, which is about proper form and alignment. Vinyasa Flow, or power yoga, is a flowing sequence of poses coordinated with the breath. Bikram, or “hot yoga”, is a set of 26 poses practiced in a room heated to 105° with 60% humidity. It’s not for those who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or have glaucoma.
Q. I’ve been told that yoga would interfere with my religious beliefs. Is that true?
A. Yoga acts as an enhancement to your current belief system, not a detriment. While yoga does have a spiritual aspect to it, people of all faiths can easily practice yoga. Even though Hinduism and yoga are closely related, they are separate entities. You won’t be asked to become a Hindu when you practice yoga.
Q. Will I have to do weird, contorted poses in class?
A. Everyone has their own unique talents and abilities. Asking someone to do a pose that is beyond his or her capabilities goes against yoga’s principle of honoring the individual. You do what’s comfortable for you.
Q. Do you have to be a vegetarian to do yoga?
A. No, you don’t have to be a vegetarian. You will, however, become aware of the effect food has on your body and will often choose to eat a more balanced, healthful diet.
To learn more about how yoga can help improve your bottom line, call (951) 316-9380 or write to Debbie@DebbieBarnett.com. Start a more balanced life now!