QUESTION: What do you do besides meditate in Yoga?
FACT: Many Hatha Yoga classes focus on physical exercises (asanas), breathing (pranayama), and relaxation techniques. Some Hatha Yoga classes include short meditations, but this is only a portion of some classes, not the only part. Ask the instructor how much meditation they include in their class before you join!
QUESTION: Is Hatha Yoga a religion?
FACT: Hatha Yoga's focus is on the physical body, not on religion. Many traditional Hatha Yoga schools might appear to have a religious slant. This is because of the culture where Yoga originated: India. While the United States has separation of church and state, in India, religion is an integral part of everything, incorporated everywhere, including Yoga practice! Hatha Yoga does not require that you have certain religious beliefs. All faiths can practice Hatha Yoga.
QUESTION: I'm not flexible so I can't do Yoga!
FACT: Inflexible people can most benefit from Yoga! Yoga does not necessitate that you are flexible. Advanced positions are not achieved because someone is naturally flexible, but because they worked gently, persistently and took their time! If you are not flexible already, you will become so through the consistent practice of Hatha Yoga!
QUESTION: If I'm too _________ (sick, old injured, heavy, etc.), how can I do Yoga?
FACT: Anyone can do Yoga! There are hundreds and hundreds of Yoga positions, not including modifications. Regardless of health or special conditions, there is Yoga positions for everyone. The trick is to start slow, at your own level, regardless of what everyone else is doing in class. A good Yoga teacher constantly encourages everyone to work at his or her own level.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of yoga?
FACT: There are many benefits of Hatha Yoga, and they vary from person to person. The following are some major benefits of Hatha Yoga:
| Flexibility |
The type of static stretching in Hatha Yoga increase flexibility. |
| Strength |
Muscles that hold against gravity or that use body weight for resistance grows stronger. |
| Posture |
Many Yoga exercises focus on spinal strength and flexibility, creating the foundation for correct posture. |
| Stress Management |
The quiet and gentle nature of Hatha Yoga is effective for decreasing stress, relaxing the mind, and releasing tension in the body. |
| Inner Cleaning |
Yoga's varied movements massage the inner organs, making them work more efficiently, allowing them to cleanse waste from the body more effectively. This benefit of Yoga is one not often thought about. |
QUESTION: I'm a man. Do men do yoga?
FACT: We have men in most of our classes. Some have studied for more than 9 years. Men of all ages report benefits in terms of strength, flexibility, concentration, endurance, balance, and stress release. All students work at the level at which their body allows them. In Iyengar yoga, props expand a student's ability to enter and hold a pose even when the body does not naturally open by itself. Men enjoy an expanded range of motion and increased flexibility. Yoga can also help injuries heal faster.
QUESTION: Can I get a cardio/aerobic workout in a yoga class?
FACT: Many aspects of our yoga practice increase your heart rate including vinyasas (a flowing series of poses) and holding poses. A Health Thru Yoga student has recently competed in a triathlon and yoga was an integral part of her training program!
QUESTION: Do I have to sit a long time to meditate?
FACT: You do not have to sit in a lotus pose or any fixed position to meditate. You can meditate by walking, standing, or in a reclined position at home. You can meditate by sitting in a chair. Meditation is the result of training the mind to move away from the sensations of the body and the fluctuations of the mind. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including but not limited to sitting. If the meditation in class is longer than the comfort of the sitting pose, change the style of sitting as there are many "seated poses" to choose from.
QUESTION: I haven't exercised in 20 years. Will I be able to do anything?
FACT: You can practice yoga by beginning. Yoga does not require a level of fitness. You work at the level your body is able to work. People who are in injury or disease can practice yoga. People can practice yoga for their entire life and can begin the practice at any age - young or old.
QUESTION: The names of poses are foreign to me - do I have to learn Sanskrit to practice yoga?
FACT: Learning the Sanskrit names of poses expands the student's appreciation for the history and deeper meanings of yoga. Understanding the Sanskrit terms enriches the practice. You do not have to know Sanskrit to practice yoga and you will learn the English names for poses too. We encourage you to broaden your knowledge and awareness.
