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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