Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Questions

Facts about Yoga

Practical Questions

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Clothes should be comfortable and non-restrictive.  Women usually wear leggings or shorts and a T-shirt and men wear shorts and a T-shirt.  Something warm to wear during relaxation is a good idea.  Yoga is practised in bare feet and no water should be consumed during the class.  You may eat a snack one hour before class but larger meals should not be consumed within three hours of practice.

DO I HAVE TO BRING ANYTHING?

All equipment is provided but you can bring your own yoga mat, belt and blanket if you prefer.

HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR CLASS?

It is advisable to arrive 5-10 minutes before a class starts so that you can change and prepare your equipment in the studio.  This is particularly important on your first visit as you will need to register with the teacher.  Admittance to the studio is not normally permitted once the class has started as it is disruptive for both the teacher and other students.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A CLASS?

The class begins with a brief period of relaxation in order to prepare and focus you and release any tensions.  Lessons incorporate asanas (postures) such as standing poses, forward bends, twists, back bends, shoulder balance and, for the more advanced students, head balance.

All the asanas are demonstrated by the teacher and bodily adjustments are often made.  You should advise the teacher if you do not wish this to happen.  Classes end with a 5-10 minute period of relaxation, including some breathing techniques.

HOW MANY CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE EACH WEEK?

Consistency in yoga is extremely important if one is to progress and develop a deeper understanding.  For most beginners, at least one class a week is advisable although two classes each week would be better and, for those at a general level, a minimum of two classes is recommended.  Classes can be supplemented by your own practice at home.

 

Facts about Yoga

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is not a religion but a philosophical system that was first mentioned in ancient Sanskrit works in India several thousand years ago.  It was codified as a method of practice about 2,000 years ago by the Indian scholar, Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras.

Most Westerners identify yoga with hatha yoga which seeks to promote health and well-being through physical exercise or asanas.  When done properly, asanas also promote concentration whilst relaxing and controlling the mind.  The practice of asanas can be further enhanced by pranayama or breathe control with the ultimate goal of finding spiritual peace.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF YOGA?

Most forms of yoga are a variation on the three major styles – Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga – all of which were founded by teachers who had studied under the yoga guru, Krishnamacharya, in India in the early/mid 20th century.  These Indian teachers attracted students in large numbers in the latter part of the century and, as a result, their teachings spread abroad.  This rise in popularity in yoga in the West has resulted in an increase in the different types of yoga that are taught and even the development of some hybrid disciplines.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES?

Pilates was created by a German, Joseph H. Pilates, in the 1920s in order to rehabilitate injured soldiers and has gained popularity since the mid-1990s as a form of body conditioning.  From a purely physical point of view, it shares many similarities with yoga as both work on improving flexibility, posture, balance and strength whilst toning muscles.  However, Pilates tends to use resistance (often with machines) and weights to concentrate on the core muscles in the trunk and pelvis. Yoga, meanwhile, takes a more holistic approach that works on strengthening all the muscle groups whilst aiming for both mental and physical balance.

CAN I DO YOGA IF I HAVE AN INJURY, SUFFER FROM ILL HEALTH OR I AM PREGNANT?

Yoga is excellent for relieving the aches and tensions of everyday living and this is particularly important as we age or experience injury or ill health.  However, if one suffers from, say, serious back pain or injury, or illnesses such as MS, very high blood pressure or a heart condition, I would recommend that you seek out a remedial yoga class.  Similarly, during pregnancy, a specialist class is also advisable. In all cases, I am happy to recommend a suitable teacher.