Q1. Do I have to be thin and flexible in order to be able to practice Yoga?
A.1 Certainly not! However many images you see of people practising pretzel like postures, the truth is that for most of us,Yoga does help to improve and develop greater flexibility and strength over time. Some people have an extremely flexible body without ever practising yoga irrespective of their body size and shape! When they begin yoga they may appear to be advanced but in reality they have looser ligaments that move out of the normal range. Yoga is as much about strength as flexibility and equally about balance harmony and maintaining good emotional health.
Q2. Do I have to believe in God and or have a religion in order to practice classical Yoga?
A2. No. Although Yoga was historically and is still today a "discipline" associated with spiritual paths from Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, in reality the Western world has embraced many aspects of yoga and applied it to the art of living a healthy balanced life irrespective of religion. Many people who believe in God will identify with the philosophy of Yoga's origins whilst those who do not can benefit from the timeless wisdom of yoga without the dogma.
Q3. Will I be able to practice yoga if I have a medical problem or physical injury?
A3. Most health difficulties can be accommodated for in a yoga class by careful modifications of postures and with the use of blocks and other props such as blankets. However it is important that you share your health issues with the teacher and check with your own doctor if you have any serious medical conditions that affect your health especially those of the heart and pulmonary systems for example high blood pressure and lung/breathing conditions. You must inform the teacher if you suspect that you are pregnant as some aspects of yoga are contraindicated during this unique period of time.
Q4. I sometimes suffer from anxiety and find it hard to relax, do I have to do meditation and relaxation at the end of class?
A4. Of course not. If you find that you mind races too quickly or that you become too introverted thinking about stuff, then it is your choice to stay or not to stay for the quiet part at the end of class. You can quietly slip out of class without disturbing the others. However, most people find this the most challenging part of yoga and over time with support during class learn to let go of the constant chatter in the mind which after all is the ultimate aim!
A.1 Certainly not! However many images you see of people practising pretzel like postures, the truth is that for most of us,Yoga does help to improve and develop greater flexibility and strength over time. Some people have an extremely flexible body without ever practising yoga irrespective of their body size and shape! When they begin yoga they may appear to be advanced but in reality they have looser ligaments that move out of the normal range. Yoga is as much about strength as flexibility and equally about balance harmony and maintaining good emotional health.
Q2. Do I have to believe in God and or have a religion in order to practice classical Yoga?
A2. No. Although Yoga was historically and is still today a "discipline" associated with spiritual paths from Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, in reality the Western world has embraced many aspects of yoga and applied it to the art of living a healthy balanced life irrespective of religion. Many people who believe in God will identify with the philosophy of Yoga's origins whilst those who do not can benefit from the timeless wisdom of yoga without the dogma.
Q3. Will I be able to practice yoga if I have a medical problem or physical injury?
A3. Most health difficulties can be accommodated for in a yoga class by careful modifications of postures and with the use of blocks and other props such as blankets. However it is important that you share your health issues with the teacher and check with your own doctor if you have any serious medical conditions that affect your health especially those of the heart and pulmonary systems for example high blood pressure and lung/breathing conditions. You must inform the teacher if you suspect that you are pregnant as some aspects of yoga are contraindicated during this unique period of time.
Q4. I sometimes suffer from anxiety and find it hard to relax, do I have to do meditation and relaxation at the end of class?
A4. Of course not. If you find that you mind races too quickly or that you become too introverted thinking about stuff, then it is your choice to stay or not to stay for the quiet part at the end of class. You can quietly slip out of class without disturbing the others. However, most people find this the most challenging part of yoga and over time with support during class learn to let go of the constant chatter in the mind which after all is the ultimate aim!
