Frequently asked questions about yoga
1.What is yoga?
The word yoga means yoke or bind and is often interpreted as union of mind and body. According to ancient texts it is a science that allows us to live a harmonious life through the control of the mind and body.Hatha yoga concentrates on the physical. deep stretches and fluid movement to unblock energy, increase stamina and improve muscle tone. Combined with correct breathing, yoga will increase vitality and energy levels sa well as discipline the mind.
2.What does Hatha mean?
Hatha is translated as ha 'sun' and tha 'moon'.This refers to the balance of masculine aspects-active, hot, and feminine aspects-receptive, cold. Together they balance the body.Yoga teaches you how to concentrates and focus your mind , improve your muscle tone and invigorate your internal organs. It also teaches you how to breathe correctly and how to attein perfect posture, enabling you to increase your energy levels.
Ha and tha balance the body and produce harmony and equilibrium so you don't suffer mood swings or depression.
3.Do I have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?
It is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choice will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you impose on others.
The first principle of yoga philosophy is ahimsa, which means nonharming to self and others. It is your decision.
4.How many times a week should I practice?
It depends on your time and attitudes. If you can practice once a week you get some benefit. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a week for an hour and a half. Do what you can and don't worry about it.
5.How is yoga different from other kinds of fitness?
Yoga is more than just phisical posture.Yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body nad the fluctuations of the mind to the rythm of our breath.You will develop a perfectly toned body, a positive outlook on life and a peaceful mind. This is not a question of abstinence, but a matter of controlling your habits and urges.
6.Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion..Yoga sometimes interweaves philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddism, but ti is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice yoga. It is universal and timeless. In fact it is a perfect way to maintain a balanced outlook in the face of pressures from modern-day living.
7. I'm not flwxible - can I do yoga?
The more out of shape you are, the better..
Yes!!You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lesson. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.
This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of phisical confidence and overall well-being.
8.What do I need to begin?
A bit of curiosity. It is helpful to have a pair of sweat pants, leggings, and a t-shirt. We practice bare foot. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat in our studio. When you begin we provide mats and other props available for you.
9.Why are you supposed to refrein from eating two or even more hours before class?
In yoga practice we twist, bend, turn etc. If you have not fully digested your last meal, you can feel uncomfortable. If you are a person with a fast- acting digesting system try a light snack or juice 30 min.before class.
10.Why is Iyengar's yoga different?
-you can take up practice at any age
-we use a lot of props , which are helpful in opening the body
-beneficial sequences of asanas which make you feel good
-we focus on breathing
-assistents help teachers in beginner classes
11.Why are we so precise in practicing asanas?
Most people do not realize how important it is to sit or stand correctly. Bad posture is the main cause of chronic back pain and contributes to painful ailments such as slliped disc and sciatica. Invariably, people with bad posture lack energy and vitality.Their chest are slumped, and they do not breathe correctly, as they use small portion of their lungs.
All of us have a more flexible areas of our bodies which are usually weak (ex. your lumber spine). During practice, we take the time to focus on strengthening these weak areas and make the stif areas more flexible. This helps buid stamina, flexibility and strength.
When yuor body is in harmony, everything else falls into place.
Go ahead, and discover the potential within your mind and body.