In this new millennium, everyone’s heard about yoga, yet many people are still confused. 

Exactly what is yoga? Is it a religion?

First of all, Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. 

It doesn’t require adopting any new religious beliefs, just exploring the concepts of letting go, acceptance, and staying present. 

The goal of yoga according to the most ancient texts is “to calm the storms of the mind.” In other words finding a quality of peace and happiness in our lives. That’s a goal that’s hard to argue with and of tremendous benefit to anyone.

So is yoga just doing poses like in a gym class?

No, yoga is far more than just physical poses. Although this is part of the practice, to really explore yoga means to not just stretch, but also to travel a highly ethical path, while pursuing breathing and centering meditation. 

For many people, the physical practice is a first and major step. The body opens, and tensions start to dissolve in the muscles and the soul. But while just stretching is a very good thing, the universe of yoga—especially the possibility of finding more joy in your life—offers so much more. 

So what is the point of yoga poses?

The physical poses are designed to promote good health and release tension in the body so you can have a peaceful mind and a happy life.
They have been perfected and adapted by many different yoga masters over the centuries so that almost anyone can approach them and derive tremendous health benefits.

How’s it different from working out?

But don’t think yoga is just another  “work-out,” however. It’s not approached with a conventional workout spirit. Teachers try to share the physical poses combined with the philosophical ideas of calming and centering. Good yoga classes encourage self-acceptance, non-competition, and gentleness in poses rather than pushing and getting aggressive.

Another major difference is that when practicing any pose, we’re perhaps even more interested in what’s going on inside the mind than we are in the body. 

Correct alignment is absolutely important so that the mind/body connection will allow you to de-stress naturally.  But perhaps more than this, slowing down and watching the breath allows you to develop a different, improved relationship with your own thoughts and feelings. In other words, the workout is both interior and exterior, physical and mental.

Who Can Do yoga?

Anyone.  Any age or any fitness level can enjoy yoga- everyone from elementary school kids to retirees. All that’s required is a willingness to learn (and have fun!)

There’s no way I can ever get into some of those poses I see people doing.

Not everyone can do the same things, of course.  It’s important to know your limits. For example, if you have serious health problems, or lower back issues, or even if you’re healthy and happily pregnant. Nonetheless, after speaking with your doctor and finding the right yoga instructor, there will definitely be some version of yoga that you can do. 

With a little creativity, and the right information, there will be a way to adapt any pose appropriately to exactly where you are right now.

Where does yoga come from?

Yoga originated over 5,000 years ago in India.  The oldest writings—the Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads—date from this time.  
Yet Yoga is not carved in stone.  It is continuously evolving and growing with many different styles as people constantly develop and explore the practice.

So there are many different kinds of yoga?

Yes, there are many different styles and flavors. Although they all have things in common and poses usually overlap, classes might feel and look very different. 

For example, some classes such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa, move flowingly. They emphasize coordinating the breath while moving from pose to pose.  Others are Iyengar-influenced, and might involve holding only a handful of poses, focusing on detailed alignment and working extremely specifically.  Restorative classes use poses and props to let the body hold a shape and open very deeply and slowly.

There are yoga practices like Kundalini where certain types of vigorous breathing and simple repetitive motions are more strongly emphasized. There are even newer-style classes these days (like Bikram) taking place in heated rooms because some people feel that opens the muscles up.  And of course there are classes like Yoga-Mamas or Yoga Seniors and those that address other specific health concerns.

Part of the beauty of yoga is that it is so highly adaptable. With a little exploration, you’re bound to find the practice that really speaks best to you.  

Why Should I Do yoga?

Yoga helps with:
• Flexibility
• Deep Relaxation
• Feeling “Centered”
• Strength Building
• Balance and Coordination
• Healing
• Happiness and general sense of well-being
 
These are things that can benefit anyone and everyone.

Particularly as we grow older, the physical practice of yoga helps us increase and sustain our flexibility, without some of the harsher side-effects of other workouts.

How long does it take to ‘get good’ at Yoga?

“Getting Good” doesn’t mean mastering difficult poses. 
Someone can practice yoga for years, developing much greater health and peace of mind without ever bending themselves into a pretzel. Everyone is different, and all measures of progress have to be evaluated individually. While it’s exciting to have students experience breakthroughs—today I touched my toes!—what’s gratifying is the increased awareness they have of their bodies and an overall feeling of greater contentment in their lives.
 
How long does this take?

Even a single yoga session can teach you something about the body and the mind, although a steady practice is required to really get the greatest benefits. The most important thing is just getting started!