Frequently
Asked Questions about Yoga
Can Yoga Help with Weight Loss? See SideBar Article
Q: What is Yoga?
A: Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which
originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into
written form as the Yoga Sutra. The author was Patanjali (pronounced
pa-tan-ja-li). Since the original work was in Sanskrit, there are
many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras
as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb “Asana”
(pronounced a-sana-a), which refers to postures or Yoga poses that
most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana and physical
culture is called Hatha Yoga, (pronounced Ha-ta with a soft T).
There are possibly more people doing Hatha Yoga now in the state
of California than in the entire country of India.
Q: Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do Yoga?
A: Certainly no. The goal of Yoga , is not to do
the head stand or the lotus pose but to “Quiet the distractions
of the mind.” Something that most Westerners could certainly benefit
from. The Yoga poses that you use should be selected to fit your
individual needs based on your physical and mental condition , as
well as your age.
Q: What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
A: Perhaps the first and most profound benefit that
most Westerners notice is stress reduction. The next benefit that
all physicians support is circulation. Although Hatha Yoga does
improve your flexibility, most people are not aware that Yoga poses
are also good for strength. The whole idea is a balance of strength
and flexibility. Once the system comes closer to balance, most
practitioners notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense
of well-being. The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight but
the results are lasting.
Q: Is Yoga safe?
A: In most cases yes. However, if you select the
wrong level of difficulty in a large group class and have some physical
limitations, you could have some problems. It is very important
to be sure you are in the right class and inform the instructor
of any potential problems.
Q: How do I find the right place to take a Yoga class?
A: Since the Golden Triangle has so many places that
teach Yoga, it is advisable to try and compare several places.
Most important is, which place has the overall environment that
makes you feel most comfortable. There are currently no city, state
or federal guidelines for Yoga. There is a very wide spectrum
of environments in Yoga classes. It is almost amusing. The biggest
differences are between the physical difficulty levels of the classes.
You need to decide if you want your Yoga class to be a work-out,
and work-in, or some where in-between. A good Yoga class should
incorporate the concept of body, breath and mind. In no case should
you allow someone to push or intimidate you into doing something
that does not feel intuitively right. I listed on my site other
locations of yoga classes in the area. Click here
for the list.
Q: How often should I go to a Yoga class?
A: Ideally, at least two or three times per week.
Some people keep their life on track and make some progress by coming
once a week, and many people get really motivated by Yoga and come
everyday. It depends on the individual and his or her needs.
Q: Is Yoga Co-ed?
A: Yes, on the average there are more women in Yoga
classes than men; however, some of the more physical Yoga classes
have an almost equal ratio.
Q: How much does Yoga cost?
A: The least expensive Yoga classes are available
at adult schools and community centers. In the Golden Triangle
area, as low as $7 - $9 per class in a course. Or, your health
club may include Yoga in the package. However, most Yoga centers
average around $9 - $14 a class in a series. A one-time drop-in
fee varies widely. Many schools offer the first class free, some
charge up to $25. You can do research by using the internet and
the phone. I teach a donation class at my Wesley United Methodist
Church in Nederland Texas. You basically donate what you wish.
The money will go toward the building fund for rebuilding the
church sanctuary, since it was destroyed during Rita. Click here
for more information about the donation class.
Q: What do you wear to a Yoga class?
A: There is a wide variety of clothing worn in Yoga
classes, depending on how physical the class is and the temperature
of the room. Women often wear leotards, shorts or sweats. Men
often wear shorts or sweats. However, Yoga clothing, like that
of other fitness classes, is also a personal expression.
Q: How long should a Yoga class be?
A: The length of a Yoga class varies from 45 minutes
to one and a half hours. Health clubs and corporate classes
are usually close to one hour.
Q: What is Yoga Therapy?
A: A simple answer is that Yoga Therapy is usually
offered one on one for people that are not able to participate in
a regular group class. Some of the many ailments successfully treated
with Yoga Therapy are: lower and upper back problems, hypertension
and heart disease, asthma and diabetes.
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Various poses that you might do in a typical
Yoga session.
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