| Answers: |
| What is Yoga? |
| Yoga is a discipline that originated in India, dating back 5000years. The word yoga means union or yoke. This represents the union of the mind, the body and the spirit. Most yoga practiced in the West today focuses on breathing (pranayama), postures (asanas) and relaxation (meditation). Yoga was originally an oral tradition handed down from teacher to student but is now commonly practiced in a class setting or individually. A male practitioner is called a yogi and a female a yogini. |
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| What are the benefits of yoga? |
The benifits of yoga are numerous. Some of the more commonly reported benifits are:
* Tones the body and strengthens the bones.
* Improved sense of well-being.
* Increased mental focus and clarity.
* Decrease in back pain and increased vitality to the spine.
* Increased energy.
* Improved digestion.
* Increased flexibility.
* Improved sleep.
* Inhanced immune system |
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| How many types of Yoga are there? |
There are many types of yoga, however the most common in the West is Hatha yoga. Under this umbrella there are many different styles and variations. Some of the more common ones are:
* Iyingar Yoga: This style focuses on precise aligmnent
* Vinyasa Yoga: Flowing movements from asana to asana characterize this style
* Bikram Yoga: Yoga is practiced in a very hot room.
* Ashtanga Yoga: This is a vigerous strong flowing style
* Anusara Yoga: Focus is on alignment and opening the heart
Every teacher will have their own approach often using a blend of a number of styles. |
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| What can I expect in a typical yoga class and what will it cost? |
A typical yoga class is approximately 60 to 90 minutes long. It will include centering, breathing (pranayama), postures (asanas) and concludes with a deep relaxation. Some of the postures will be done standing and some on the floor.
The cost of a yoga class varies, however the range at most yoga studios is usually $10 to $15 for a group class and $50 to $75 per hour for individual instruction. |
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| What should be worn to a yoga class and do I need to prepare in any way? |
| You should dress comfortably in clothes that do not restrict movement. For example, shorts or tights and a tee shirt would work well. Yoga is done with bare feet. A yoga stickey mat is usually the only equipment needed. Yoga is normally practiced on an empty stomach. It is best not to have eaten anything for two hours prior to the class. |
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| How do I look for a qualified teacher and what training is required to be a teacher? |
| There are no nationally recognized training standards, however the National Yoga Alliance has outlined minimum requirments for teachers to become ''registered'' teachers. Yoga Alliance is a non-profit organization that registers yoga teachers who have met specific training standards and possess a broad knowledge of yoga technique and theory. Teachers registered with Yoga Alliance are authorized to use the initials RYT ( Registered Yoga Teacher} after their name or the initials E-RYT (Experienced Yoga Teacher)if they have significant teaching experience in addition to training. Recognition is given at the 200 and 500 level. Students may want to try different classes and teachers to find a style and a teacher that resonates with them. |
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| Is yoga a religion? |
The earliest form of yoga was a deeply introspective and meditative practice. The asanas or physical postures we come to think of today as ''yoga'' were developed to calm the body and make it easier for the practitioner to sit in the stillness of meditation.
Though the art of yoga is often associated with Hinduism, yoga is not a religion. While religion emphasizes belief structures about life and the human relationship to the Divine, yoga seeks to reveal our own deepest nature through the direct experience of our own unique beauty and goodness. One need not be religious to practice yoga, nor does yoga exclude any religious practice. Most practitioners report that the philosophy of yoga blends with and even enhances their own individual practice. All that is required to practice yoga is a desire to learn more about yourself and your relationship to the Universe. |
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| Can anyone practice yoga even if out of shape? |
| Yes. Yoga is for men, women and children of all ages, sizes, fitness levels and shapes. Our association has an offering of teachers with a variety of teaching styles and focus. First determine what you would like to receive from your yoga experience. Are you looking for a class that emphasizes a physical workout or a class that offers the full spectrum of yoga including breathwork, relaxation and meditation? Do you want yoga as therapy? Do you have any physical limitations such as pregnancy, chronic fatigue, arthritis, back or neck injuries? What setting do you perfer, a fitness center or a private studio? Use your conclusions and ask questions of potential instructors. Try a class that feels like a fit. Often students will have to try several classes or instructors before finding one that feels like ''home''. |
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| Does yoga work for weight loss? |
Regular yoga can help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Rather than punishing and depriving their bodies into shape, yoga students are tought to honor and respect their bodies. Students do not have to practice the most vigerous form of yoga to lose weight. As gentle awareness of their body's capabilities and needs develop, students often find that healthier eating and exercise habits develope.
Stress is a significant factor for many people. Current research shows that chronic exposure to stress hormones stimulates weight gain, paticularly in the abdominal area. One of the benifits of a yoga practice is stress reduction. Yoga can be an important component to a long term weight managment program. |
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