| Questions & Answers I've not done yoga before, is this class suitable for a complete beginner? Yes. I like to believe that my classes accommodate people who have no previous experience of yoga. However, like learning all things new, it would be quite natural to feel awkward or inadequate during the first class or two. If possible, commit to 2 or 3 classes before deciding whether it is for you or not. Are the classes appropriate to everyone? Whilst yoga in some form can be done by everyone, the classes that I teach are not appropriate for pregnant women. There are only certain yoga postures that should be attempted in this instance and a specialised teacher should be sought. Similarly, those with certain injuries or conditions that do not allow an average amount of movement and joint mobility might be best suited to a different class. However, I am happy to accommodate people who have physical issues and are prepared to do alternative postures or modified forms when necessary to the rest of the class. I have taught people aged from early teens to their late 70's, and I've taught people with a variety of conditions such as artificial hips, being on crutches, scoliosis, cancer, and in one case having a solid metal bar fused to the length of their spine. All stayed with me as long-term students and got a lot of benefit out of the practice. If for whatever reason, you find that my particular style is not for you, then I urge you to seek another teacher. Yoga is for everyone: any age, any condition. What clothing should I wear and what equipment do I need? Wear any comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement eg. running pants and a vest. Most gym wear is suitable. Long hair is best tied back. I usually carry spare yoga mats, but ultimately you'll prefer to buy your own. There are many places that sell non-slip yoga mats. Optional equipment you might like to bring includes: blanket and eye pillow; yoga strap; yoga block; towel; and a bottle of water. How long before a class should I eat? It depends on what and how much you eat. Something easily digestable and nutritous about 2 hours before the class is good. Bananas are a great portable food that'll provide fuel. I don't think I'll be any good at yoga, I am so stiff and a long way off from touching my toes. Should I bother? If you are stiff, then this is all the more reason to start. Do not be discouraged. Only do what you can do without undue strain, and never hurt yourself. It's that simple. It may have taken years for your body to tighten. Take your time, and never force your body to do things it is currently incapable of doing. Cultivate patience and persistence. Flexibility is only a small part of yoga. Being "good" at yoga is more about the internal: being aware, mentally focussed, intelligent, sensitive to the body, and connecting the mind to the body through the breath. Isn't yoga about Hinduism, chanting, and sitting cross legged in meditation? It can be. Though I wouldn't say that describes my classes. Yoga can take many forms and is non-religious. The yoga I teach is fundamentally about working with your body and breath to reap the physical and psychological benefits. Your own belief systems are your own, and taking the time to give your body and mind a workout and a cleanse through yoga is surely going to have beneficial outcomes in other areas of your life. I already do regular excercise, so why do yoga? Running, cycling, lifting weights, aerobics, tennis etc.. can all be immensely enjoyable and keep us fit. But they do not work the body in the intelligent and all round beneficial way that yoga does. Some physical activities can actually harm us eventually because they over stress the joints and can create imbalances which cause tensions. In the long term biomechanical imbalances can seriously damage the joints. It's worth bearing in mind that those with the best physiques and posture are often dancers and gymnasts who demonstrate excellence in cardiovascular activities, coupled with strength, and mobility. People usually focus on the first two, to either fight fat and build muscle, and neglect the all import mobility aspect. This is a limited and short term approach, yet the poor postural effects and joint wear are long standing. Yoga actually addresses the cardiovascular system as well as the strength and mobility of the musculo-skeltal system. Therefore, consider putting yoga into your weekly schedule to run alongside the other physical activities you enjoy. Will yoga help me to lose weight? Yes. it can help. This form of yoga is a physical activity, and as such will use energy and your metabolism will benefit. We are often sold the miracle fitness or diet plan to lose weight, and all too often we buy into it, so I will not make any false claims here. However there are plenty of incredibly fit (supple, lean, strong, excellent cardiovascular, and low body fat) people who got that way through only practicing yoga. It takes dedication and discipline. The bigger picture of Yoga is one that embraces a lifestyle that favours: moderation; natural foods instead of proccessed ones; adequate rest; fresh air; and general healthy living. Through the process of tuning into your body and quietening the mind you will respect your body and become more aware of it's needs and naturally want to do what's best for it. If you have a question then please ask me via email or give me a call |
