FAQs
What yoga style should I practice?
There are many forms of yoga. Choosing a style that best suits your interests will depend on many factors: age, current level and type of other activity/exercise, temperature preference, fitness goals and your temperament.
Some yoga is fast paced, while other forms are slow. Some yoga practices are meditative, some restorative.
Experiment with different styles of classes. You may be surprised by how different they can be, you may love them all.
What do I need to practice ?
Whatever feels comfortable , leggings , joggers , or shorts. Yoga is practiced barefoot and shoes should never be worn in a yoga studio. A yoga mat and a bottle of water and your good to go.
Can I eat before yoga practice?
It is best to wait an hour after eating before practicing yoga, but a small snack before your class is perfectly alright. Observe your body to learn how much time you need to digest your food before practice.
Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga?
The simple answer is no. If you are not flexible, yoga is a great way to become more flexible.
Can I practice yoga if I am overweight?
Yes, you can practice yoga at any weight, size, and fitness level. A good yoga instructor can help you adjust poses and positions to accommodate your body type and shape.
Can yoga help me lose weight?
Yes, yoga can help you lose weight. The gentle postures coupled with mindful breathing help to detoxify the body, cleanse the digestive tract, and decrease anxiety and stress. Stress is one of the biggest culprits behind weight gain. Yoga can help reduce your stress as well as provide a gentle form of exercise that can strengthen the body and tone your muscles.
Will yoga conflict with my religion?
Yoga does not conflict with religion. Yoga is a mind and body practice. Yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and focusing practices of mindfulness and relaxation.
Will yoga help me connect with my chosen form of spirituality?
It could. Yoga practices help you to relax and focus on what matters most to you. The best time to discover and deepen your spirituality is when you are calm and centered.
I went to a beginner yoga class but it felt too advanced. Does that mean I can’t do yoga?
You can do yoga! There are many classes labeled “for beginners” that aren’t for true beginners. Look out for our dedicated beginners courses or raise an enquiry and we will get one together for you.
How many times a week do I have to practice?
It is good to practice once a day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes in the morning when you first roll out of bed. Feel free to take up a yoga class as often as you’d like, whether it’s once a week, or once every day. But remember – you can practice yoga anywhere. Practicing in your living room is no less beneficial than taking a class!
Is practicing yoga time-consuming?
Regularity is key. Know that even practicing just once a week will give you the benefits of the practice. If time is an issue, don’t shy away. Do what you can.
Is yoga strenuous? What if I am out of shape?
Some modern yoga classes are very strenuous. Others are relaxing and gentle. As a beginner, seek some lower key yoga classes designed for those new to yoga. Once you feel more confident, you can begin branching out and finding the style of yoga that’s just right for you and your body.
Do I have to meditate to do yoga?
Some yoga classes and styles do not include a meditative practice. Some do. You can ask the yoga teacher before attending a class if meditation is included in the class.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced, gentle style of yoga that targets the connective tissues in the body, such as the ligaments, joints, and deep fascial networks. It is a deeply meditative practice that focuses on relaxation and restoration. In this guide, we will explore the principles and benefits of Yin Yoga and provide a step-by-step understanding of how to practice it.
Principles of Yin Yoga:
1. Long, passive holds: Poses in Yin Yoga are typically held for 3-5 minutes or more. The extended time allows for a passive stretch to occur in the connective tissues rather than the muscles.
2. Find your edge: It's important to find a sensation in the pose that is neither too intense nor too mild. This "edge" might vary from day to day, so it's crucial to listen to your body and make adjustments accordingly.
3. Stillness and mindfulness: Yin Yoga encourages a state of stillness and mindfulness, where the practitioner focuses on the present moment and observes the sensations in the body without judgment or attachment.
4. Props for support: Props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks can be used to support the body and enhance the relaxation and release of tension in the poses.
5. Breath awareness: Paying attention to the breath helps to deepen the relaxation response and cultivates a sense of calm during the practice.
Benefits of Yin Yoga:
1. Improved flexibility and joint mobility: Yin Yoga helps to increase the range of motion in the joints and improve flexibility by targeting the deeper connective tissues.
2. Stress reduction: The slow and meditative nature of Yin Yoga activates the relaxation response in the body, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Increased circulation: Holding the poses for an extended period helps improve blood flow throughout the body, which can enhance overall health and vitality.
4. Greater self-awareness: Practicing Yin Yoga involves turning inward and observing sensations in the body and mind. This cultivates self-awareness and deepens the mind-body connection.
5. Balancing energy flow: Yin Yoga focuses on the meridian energy channels in the body, helping to balance the flow of energy and harmonize the body's systems.
Step-by-Step Understanding of Yin Yoga:
1. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can practice without interruption.
2. Start with a few minutes of conscious deep breathing to calm the mind and prepare for the practice.
3. Choose a pose that targets a specific area of your body, such as the hips or spine.
4. Once in the pose, make sure to find your edge – a sensation that is both challenging but not painful.
5. Focus on your breath and observe the sensations in your body. Stay in the pose for 3-5 minutes or longer.
6. Use props like blocks, blankets, or bolsters to support your body and relax into the pose.
7. When it's time to come out of the pose, move slowly and mindfully, allowing the body to adjust.
8. Take a few moments to rest in a comfortable position before moving on to the next pose.
9. Repeat steps 3-8 for each pose you wish to practice.
10. End the practice with a brief period of relaxation, such as Corpse Pose (Savasana), to integrate the effects of the practice.
Remember, Yin Yoga is a practice of surrender and patience. It's important to approach it with kindness and compassion for yourself. With regular practice, you'll begin to experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that Yin Yoga has to offer. Enjoy your yin yoga practice and embrace the stillness and tranquility it brings to your life!