11 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Yoga
As
a yoga teacher, I get asked a lot of questions from students. Here are
some of the most commonly asked questions I get from students:
1.Why
do we roll to the right after savasana at the end of class and some
times roll to the left ? Is there some significance to this?
ANSWER:
Traditionally
in yoga you roll to the right during the day to honor the sun and roll
to the left in the evening to honor the moon.
2.
What is the right amount of time to wait after eating, before
practicing yoga asana? And how long should I wait after practicing yoga
before I can eat?
ANSWER:
Two
hours after you eat is generally when you have an empty stomach and
it’s okay to practice yoga. If you are starving and want to practice yoga
but need some nourishment it’s fine to eat a banana or have a little
juice to sustain you through the practice. Just no bean burritos before
hitting the mat. After you practice I would wait 30 min for your body to
reaclitmate and then eat. This way your body won't go into food shock .
3. How often should I practice to have the best results?
ANSWER:
When
first starting out try going twice a week then after one month start
going three times per week. If you add up to going 5-6 days a week make
sure you always have at least one day off so your body can recouperate.
Also if you are practicing yoga almost everyday its good idea to mix up
the style (i.e. power yoga one day, yin the next…)
4. Do I have to be flexible?
ANSWER:
No
you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga… It’s an urban myth that
people who are tight can't do yoga. Yoga isn’t just stretching its
extremely toning, calming, meditative, spiritual, healing and opening.
Flexibility is only one aspect of it. Once you practice yoga for a
period of time naturally you will gain flexibility with a myriad of
other benefits.
5. Why are women told to avoid going upside down when menstruating?
ANSWER:
The
idea is you don’t want to reverse the flow of the outward and downward
moving energy (Apana). Apana is the energy that is being eliminated from
your body and your menstrual period is a form of that outward moving
energy. In yoga they say going upside down can reverse that effect and
create blockages and problems…
6. What can and can't pregnant women do in yoga ?
ANSWER:
Practicing
in a heated room is the number one component to avoid in a yoga class,
as getting over-heated can fry the baby's neurons. Lying on the back can
shut off blood to the baby and lying on the stomach can compress the
baby. Inversions are not a great idea as your weight is different when
pregnant then when you weren't, so your center of balance is easily
thrown off. I have seen pregnant women fall and its not fun for the
mother or the baby.
7. Is yoga enough or should I compliment it with cardio and weight lifting?
ANSWER:
Yoga
asanas are about creating a harmonious integration of breath and
movement, so if you apply yogic breathing with cardio, weightlifting it
can be considered a form of yoga. So I would mix it up if it feels
appropriate.
8. What is Vinyasa or Power Yoga?
ANSWER:
Power
yoga is a vinyasa style of yoga in which one pose is linked to the next
by breath. It is a vigorous class and often modeled after poses in
ashtanga yoga.
9. What is Hatha Yoga?
ANSWER:
“HA”
means sun and “THA” means moon. Branches of the yoga practice that
involve physical exercise, breathing practices, and movement. These
exercises are designed to have a salutary effect on posture,
flexibility, and strength and are intended ultimately to prepare the
body to remain still for long periods of meditation.
10. What is Ashtanga Yoga?
ANSWER:
Patanjali's
eight-limbed path, also called Raja Yoga. This yoga contains or should
contain eight components: morality; ethics; posture; breath control;
sense control; concentration; meditation; absorption. Also the "brand"
name for the style of yoga developed and taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
with a set sequence of yoga postures that take a student from A-Z in
Asana.
11. What is Iyengar Yoga?
ANSWER:
Iyengar
Yoga, created by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of yoga known for its use
of props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing asanas
(postures)… This style of yoga is extremely alignment based and the
asanas are often practiced individually.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4128/11-Most-Commonly-Asked-Questions-About-Yoga.html
Don’t get me wrong, I love yoga. I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly
20 years and teaching for 16. I have seen yoga heal my students' (and my
own) physical injuries, emotional wounds, and spiritual crises.
Some things will never change. There will always be bad smells. Certain students (and teachers) will not know how to dress to cover themselves and keep things tucked away during inversions. Music or no music; musical tastes and volume of music will always be debated.
Recently though, I have had to force myself to take a group class. These are a few things dampening my enthusiasm for my much loved practice of yoga.
1. Few teachers offer instruction while they are leading a class.
These classes are often filled with endless creative sequences of standing poses and vinyasas. Regular students appear to have memorized the class choreography, leaving newer students to follow along as best they can. The teacher has often left no additional time in the class sequence to offer modifications or to point out specific instruction. Students end up learning by watching other students rather than being taught by the teacher.
2. It has become a workout rather than a "work-in."
I respect a strong class, but still appreciate the inward journey that initially drew me to yoga. When the focus of a class is endless forearm plank, multiple “chaturanga” push-ups, and intense ab work, all done to very loud music, it just doesn’t feel like yoga anymore. The focus of moving inward, away from egos, seems lost when yoga becomes a flowing body building class.
3. Branded styles of yoga and certain teacher trainings limit growth, rather than foster it.
Branded styles of yoga and the “minimum standards/200 hour specific” nature of teacher training has greatly limited teachers’ experiences with the great variety in many schools of yoga. Additionally, teacher trainees often come into the world of teaching with little experience in their own personal yoga practice. They have learned to teach in the specific style they were trained in, but little else. These new teachers are frequently trained by teachers who have limited teaching experience or exposure to other teaching methods. Not everyone learns in the same manner, and if the teacher can only teach one way, students are missing out.
4. Cell phones have become a kind of infectious plague in yoga classes.
Most studios have signs everywhere requesting phones be turned off. As a teacher, I’ve made jokes about it, and even pulled offending students aside and politely asked them to not use cell phones in class. In nearly every class I’ve been in, I see cell phones at the edge of people’s mats. Some students text responses, and check their phone screens whenever they go into downward facing dog. The buzz or ring of a phone has disrupted far too many savasanas.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to practice many different styles of yoga with master teachers all over the US. I know that yoga is a healing practice for everyone and we all benefit from even the imperfect classes. Distractions will always be a part of yoga.
Is there anything else you think is wrong with yoga today?
http://yogagypsy.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-long-after-eating-can-i-can-do-yoga.html
As a teacher and a blogger, I hear this question a lot, so here is a
quick post on the food & drink before (and after) yoga question!
You have probably heard that yoga is ideally practiced on an 'empty stomach.' Anyone who has accidentally tried to do a vigorous yoga class after a big lunch can relate to the truth in that! But that is more or less where the advice begins to diverge.
When considering this question, remember above all that in the yogic worldview, everyone is different. While yoga teachers often try to give simple and straightforward answers, because we think that is what people are looking for, the truth is that every individual has a unique ayurvedic constitution, meaning that there are no 'hard and fast rules.' Rather, think of these as guidelines that you then need to explore to see which is the most appropriate for you.
There are so many variables here (ayurvedic type, climate, season, diet, lifestyle, what else is going on in your life…) that I think the 'ideal' answer requires a solution that is tailored to your unique needs. One way to think about it is to keep a journal detailing what you ate before practice, when you ate it, and how you felt. Over time that may help you to hit upon the right solution for YOU.
Remember also that your needs are going to change throughout your life, depending on what else is going on - so just when you think you've got it figured out, you may have to change it up again!
If you practice in the morning:
Many schools of thought teach that yoga should be done first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything (other than room temperature water). Some people find this pretty comfortable, but I know others who feel light-headed or even faint if they so much as attempt a sun salutation on a completely empty stomach.
If you wake up hungry (which in ayurvedic terms is a good thing!), if the length and intensity of your practice requires a bit of fuel, or if you struggle with low blood sugar in the mornings, try the following:
If you practice in the middle of the day:
If your favourite class is in the middle of the day, it's going to be a bit of a balancing act to figure out the right times to eat before and after practice. In the middle of the day, your energy is high and your digestive fire is at its peak. You might find that this means you are able to eat a light snack before practice and burn right through it, or you might find that you do better eating a big meal after practice. Try some of the following and see what works best for you:
If you practice in the evening:
Personally, I find evening practices the most difficult to schedule healthy eating around. Eating too late is bad for my digestion and sleep, but so is a vigorous practice late in the evening. If you have similar issues, try the following:
4 Things That Are Wrong With Yoga Today
So
many yoga teachers are attracted to teaching private yoga lessons — and
for good reason! Private yoga sessions allow yoga teachers to deepen
their instruction and the art of designing truly Read
Some things will never change. There will always be bad smells. Certain students (and teachers) will not know how to dress to cover themselves and keep things tucked away during inversions. Music or no music; musical tastes and volume of music will always be debated.
Recently though, I have had to force myself to take a group class. These are a few things dampening my enthusiasm for my much loved practice of yoga.
1. Few teachers offer instruction while they are leading a class.
These classes are often filled with endless creative sequences of standing poses and vinyasas. Regular students appear to have memorized the class choreography, leaving newer students to follow along as best they can. The teacher has often left no additional time in the class sequence to offer modifications or to point out specific instruction. Students end up learning by watching other students rather than being taught by the teacher.
2. It has become a workout rather than a "work-in."
I respect a strong class, but still appreciate the inward journey that initially drew me to yoga. When the focus of a class is endless forearm plank, multiple “chaturanga” push-ups, and intense ab work, all done to very loud music, it just doesn’t feel like yoga anymore. The focus of moving inward, away from egos, seems lost when yoga becomes a flowing body building class.
3. Branded styles of yoga and certain teacher trainings limit growth, rather than foster it.
Branded styles of yoga and the “minimum standards/200 hour specific” nature of teacher training has greatly limited teachers’ experiences with the great variety in many schools of yoga. Additionally, teacher trainees often come into the world of teaching with little experience in their own personal yoga practice. They have learned to teach in the specific style they were trained in, but little else. These new teachers are frequently trained by teachers who have limited teaching experience or exposure to other teaching methods. Not everyone learns in the same manner, and if the teacher can only teach one way, students are missing out.
4. Cell phones have become a kind of infectious plague in yoga classes.
Most studios have signs everywhere requesting phones be turned off. As a teacher, I’ve made jokes about it, and even pulled offending students aside and politely asked them to not use cell phones in class. In nearly every class I’ve been in, I see cell phones at the edge of people’s mats. Some students text responses, and check their phone screens whenever they go into downward facing dog. The buzz or ring of a phone has disrupted far too many savasanas.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to practice many different styles of yoga with master teachers all over the US. I know that yoga is a healing practice for everyone and we all benefit from even the imperfect classes. Distractions will always be a part of yoga.
Is there anything else you think is wrong with yoga today?
http://yogagypsy.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-long-after-eating-can-i-can-do-yoga.html
How soon after eating can I can do yoga?
You have probably heard that yoga is ideally practiced on an 'empty stomach.' Anyone who has accidentally tried to do a vigorous yoga class after a big lunch can relate to the truth in that! But that is more or less where the advice begins to diverge.
When considering this question, remember above all that in the yogic worldview, everyone is different. While yoga teachers often try to give simple and straightforward answers, because we think that is what people are looking for, the truth is that every individual has a unique ayurvedic constitution, meaning that there are no 'hard and fast rules.' Rather, think of these as guidelines that you then need to explore to see which is the most appropriate for you.
There are so many variables here (ayurvedic type, climate, season, diet, lifestyle, what else is going on in your life…) that I think the 'ideal' answer requires a solution that is tailored to your unique needs. One way to think about it is to keep a journal detailing what you ate before practice, when you ate it, and how you felt. Over time that may help you to hit upon the right solution for YOU.
Remember also that your needs are going to change throughout your life, depending on what else is going on - so just when you think you've got it figured out, you may have to change it up again!
If you practice in the morning:
Many schools of thought teach that yoga should be done first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything (other than room temperature water). Some people find this pretty comfortable, but I know others who feel light-headed or even faint if they so much as attempt a sun salutation on a completely empty stomach.
If you wake up hungry (which in ayurvedic terms is a good thing!), if the length and intensity of your practice requires a bit of fuel, or if you struggle with low blood sugar in the mornings, try the following:
- Have a glass of room-temperature or warm milk 15-30 minutes before practice. Milk temporarily buffers stomach acid, so it can be good to tide you through your practice. However, once the milk is digested your stomach will produce even more acid, so if you are in the habit of drinking milk, make sure you eat a nice alkaline breakfast after your yoga.
- Have a (small) cup of milky coffee or tea 15-30 minutes before practice. Yoga guru BKS Iyengar began all of his days like this, and, well, he's going on 96 so it must work for him! Coffee also helps to empty your bowels which is another (less often quoted in a public yoga class!) recommendation for before you start practicing asana or pranayama.
- Have a small piece of fruit about 15 to 30 minutes before practice. It should be something light, like a peach or an orange, not a banana, and if possible, something fresh, not tinned. I prefer solid fruit to fruit juice because with solid fruit you get fibre as well as just liquid and sugar, but then, that's just me!
- You don't have to wait too long after practice, even an intense practice, to head straight to a nice big breakfast. Wait about 15 or 20 minutes (just time for a shower and to get dressed) and then tuck in!
If you practice in the middle of the day:
If your favourite class is in the middle of the day, it's going to be a bit of a balancing act to figure out the right times to eat before and after practice. In the middle of the day, your energy is high and your digestive fire is at its peak. You might find that this means you are able to eat a light snack before practice and burn right through it, or you might find that you do better eating a big meal after practice. Try some of the following and see what works best for you:
- Have a light or normal breakfast followed by a high-energy mid-morning snack. The usual advice would be not to snack on anything within an hour of practicing.
- Have a big breakfast and don't eat again until after your practice.
- If you are hungry right before your class, try having a piece of light fruit about 15-30 minutes before class.
- You may find that you need to leave a bit of time after practice in order to be able to digest a big meal. If you are hungry right after practice but when you eat, you feel like it doesn't digest well, try having a light snack (fruit or a granola bar) right after practice and waiting about an hour before having a meal.
If you practice in the evening:
Personally, I find evening practices the most difficult to schedule healthy eating around. Eating too late is bad for my digestion and sleep, but so is a vigorous practice late in the evening. If you have similar issues, try the following:
- Try swapping your biggest meal of the day to lunchtime. Make sure it is a balanced meal that will give you enough 'fuel' to make it through the rest of your day and through your yoga practice. Then, have a light meal for dinner after practice (a soup or a salad for example). Remember that if you usually eat with your family you might have to warn them in advance on those days, too!
- If your class is too late for you to have dinner afterwards, try mixing and matching your breakfast and lunch quantities and timings (e.g. big breakfast, medium lunch, or small breakfast, big early lunch) so that you can eat an early dinner of something small and light. Try to leave at least 2-3 hours between dinner and your class for ideal digestion.
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