Let it Flow

As “mainstream” as yoga is today, I still encounter a great number of people who haven’t tried it. And when they ask me about it, I often get the same questions. So below are your top yoga concerns answered.

I’m not flexible - That’s ok! You DO NOT have to be flexible to begin a yoga practice. One of the many benefits of yoga is that when practiced regularly (3 times per week) it does increase flexibility. If you never start how will your flexibility improve? Don’t be ashamed if you can’t touch your toes. It took me almost 3 years to touch my toes. There are a variety of props available to help you through those stages so you don’t hurt yourself trying to touch your toes.

I’m not strong enough - No problem. A good instructor will teach to all levels and show modifications. You take it to the next level when YOU are ready. Yoga is about leaving your ego at the door (which takes practice), and don’t be discouraged if the yogi next to you is doing something you dream of doing. Just keep doing what you’re doing and in no time, you’ll advance as well.

How many times per week do I practice to see benefits? - There are a variety of answers out there. I say minimum 3 times per week. And no, that doesn’t mean you need to find a 1 or 1 1/2 hour class three times per week. Enjoy a class once a week, and then practice at home on your own time. Maybe you need some hip work. Take 10 minutes, come into your breathing and stretch those hips. Your body will feel better and your mind will relax for a bit. A little bit of yoga every day (5 to 10 minutes) is more effective than 1, 1 hour class per week. Besides, a little yoga every day never hurt anyone (as far as I know).

I can’t get my body into those positions - the pictures you see on the cover of a magazine are just that - for the cover of a magazine. Sure, they are true yoga poses, but more often than not they are not beginner yoga poses. You work up to that. No one started with handstand on their first day (well, most likely that’s the case). You start by learning the basics of breathing, and feeling your body start to loosen up. Then you move towards advanced postures.

I don’t look like everyone else in class - Do you want to? Then you wouldn’t be you. Genetically we are all different. The person to your right might touch her toes with no problem, yet handstand is something she struggles with. The person to your left might have the opposite problem. It’s not how you look in a pose that matters. Instead as “how do I feel in this pose”. If you feel the stretch, your mind is calm and your breathing is steady, then the pose is PERFECT. If you feel pain, your breath has intensified and your mind is telling you to get the heck out of the posture, then it’s no longer PERFECT. Not how you look, it’s how you feel.

Are there men in the yoga classes? - YES YES YES! Yoga does not discriminate! Some of the most famous yogis are men. Yoga is for EVERY BODY. Men, women, children. At any age. It’s never too late to start a yoga program!

I’m not religious - And yoga is not a religion. It’s a practice. True, a spiritual practice, yet isn’t spiritual about what’s inside of you? Your spirit?

Do I have to become a vegetarian? - No. One of the most important teaching of yoga is about non-violence - to self, to others, to animals. There are some who choose vegetarianism for that reason. Others continue to eat meat, and research farms who care well for the animals, feed them fresh and organic foods before they are made into edible meats.

Can yoga help me lose weight? - If you practice a vigorous style of yoga (power or ashtanga) then yes, you may find your body changes. However, with most gentle forms you will not burn enough calories per session for weight loss. How it helps for weight loss is by creating awareness. You become more aware of how your body feels on a given day. You begin to have a greater awareness around the foods you put in your mouth, how you feel after eating and how you want to feel after eating. The awareness then helps you control portions, eat foods that are more healthy and natural. When you feed your body with good things, you will feel better and you might lose a few pounds. It’s important to add yoga to your regular fitness routine for a well-rounded program.

What are the benefits of yoga? - There are so many benefits of yoga. This topic will become a separate post. Some benefits include: Increased strength and flexibility; lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, increased awareness to name a few.

Have more questions? Feel free to email me. Bottom line - yoga is for every body no matter where you are with fitness, your age or your flexibility. Try it and you might be surprised at what it can offer you.

Tags: Yoga and Meditation //