frequently asked questions - about yoga

 

What is yoga?  What is hatha yoga?

 

Yoga is the science of wellbeing.  Yoga makes you more physically fit as well as more mentally and emotionally balanced.  Yoga originated in India over 5000 years ago; it is not a religion and can be practiced by anyone of any faith. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, improve posture and release the stresses of the day by calming your mind.  Better posture helps to relieve your body of any aches due to poor posture for example from sitting or standing for long periods during the day.   There are several styles of yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas) and is also combined with breathing techniques (pranayama) and a short relaxation or guided meditation. 

 

 

I'm not flexible, can I still do yoga?

 

Yes, of course you can!  Lack of flexibility is probably one of the best reasons to start doing yoga.  Yoga is suitable for everyone. It’s a gentle, relaxing exercise which is adaptable regardless of age or mobility. Once you start stretching, energy blockages are released and through regular practise your body naturally becomes stronger and more flexible.  Yoga helps you become more stress free and generally happier.

 

 

What do I need to bring to a yoga class?

 

Please bring along the enthusiasm to discover the wonderful benefits of yoga along with water to drink during the session.  We do provide some spare yoga mats for our regular weekly yoga classes but please bring your own if you have one.  Please wear loose comfortable clothing that you can move freely in whilst bending and stretching for example tracksuit bottoms or leggings and a T-shirt.  Bring a warm outer layer to put on during the relaxation such as a fleece or sweatshirt.

 

 

Can I eat before yoga?

 

It's recommended that you practise yoga with an emplty stomach so it is advised that you eat at least two hours before yoga for a full meal and at least one hour before for a snack.  Certain movements can feel uncomfortable if practised on a full stomach.

 

 

What if I have health concerns or a medical condition, can I still do yoga?

 

If you are unsure about any health issues, or haven't done any exercise for a while, please check with your doctor for advice before doing any yoga.  Please also  contact us before coming to a class to talk about what would be the best form of yoga for you e.g. gentle yoga, relaxation and meditation class or a one to one session. Before the start of each yoga class or workshop it is important that you advise the yoga teachers of any change in your health or medical information.  It's also important that you only do what feels comfortable for your body and let the yoga teachers know if you experience and difficulty.  Always practice yoga mindfully and in a safe, comfortable way for your body.

 

 

Will I feel stiff after a class?

 

No you should't feel stiff after a yoga class.  Naturally, you may feel aware of muscles that you haven't used for a while if you're new to yoga.  It's important to always practise yoga mindfully and in a way that's comfortable for your own body,  within a class that's suitable for your fitness level and never work into pain.  Inform your yoga teacher if you experience any difficulties.  If you do experience any pain please check with your doctor for advice before continuing with yoga.

 

 

Am I too old to start yoga?

 

Yoga can be enjoyed by any age group to advanced years and many peoople start yoga after the age of 60, often wishing they'd started sooner.  Yoga poses can be adapted for every age group and to suit different fitness levels.

 

 

How old is yoga?

 

Yoga is an ancient philosoply that originated in India; it is the science of wellbeing.   The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5000 years ago It is not a religion and can be practised by anyone of any faith.  To say that the word Yoga itself is a religion makes as much sense as saying that the words Union or Holistic are themselves religions.  Yoga means union; we unite the breath with the mind and body while mindfully practising postures or meditation.  Through regular practice of yoga you'll discover how to tune into and listen to your body in order to improve your strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health, as well as self confidence and overall well-being.  

 

 

We're happy to answer any futher questions - please click here to contact us.