Yoga FAQs for Beginners
October 27, 2016
1. What is Yoga and how is it different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
The benefits of yoga and stretching are very much the same, they encourage better circulation of blood throughout the body, provides relief from back pain and arthritis and improves the alignment in your body.
There are however some important differences. Yoga is the connection of the body, mind and breath through a series of guided poses and sequences. Yoga encourages increased body awareness while also improving strength, flexibility and balance. The awareness of the breath and allowing the breath to initiate the movement is what makes yoga, yoga. The mind becomes calm and the body becomes more relaxed and open.
2. I’m Not Flexible—Can I Do Yoga?
Yes! It’s the same as starting strength training without being strong. Lifting weights will increase your strength and yoga will increase your flexibility and range of motion.
3. What do I wear?
Avoid practicing in clothes that don’t stretch. Yoga leggings, or shorts, and a shirt that’s not too baggy are appropriate. Preferably, you will be barefoot.
4. Can I eat before class?
It’s best not to eat a heavy meal right before you do yoga as we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward and as a result, you may feel very uncomfortable if you have not fully digested your last meal.
A light snack such as yogurt, nuts or juice 30 minutes to an hour before class is fine.
5. What does “Namaste” mean?
The word Namaste is a combination of the two Sanskrit words: nama “to bow” and te means “you.” It’s often used as a gesture such as “my divine soul recognizes the divine soul in you”.
TIPS
- If you have a specific health issue, it is always a good idea to let your teacher know prior to beginning the class.
- Be a beginner –You’re exactly where you need to be.
- Breath is everything.
- Child’s Pose is always an option.
- You don’t need to know the poses, or their names. The teacher will guide you.
- Trust Your Judgement – remember your yoga practice is just that – yours. No one else is inside your body.
- Remember you’ve started something great!
