Thursday, May 14, 2015

Can I do Yoga?

One of the most common questions I get asked as a yoga instructor is "Are you sure I can do yoga?"

Concerns range from things like I'm not flexible to I'm not sure. it might be against my religion...

It is natural to be nervous, cautious, or even fearful of things that we don't understand or don't know much about. Despite having originated over 5,000 years ago, yoga is still very new to a great number of people.

So can you do yoga?

The short answer is yes! Absolutely! 

Yoga is for everyone and every body. Regardless of physical ability, flexibility, level of fitness, age, or religious affiliation, yoga is for you. A recent study estimated that over 20 million people in the United States alone are practicing yoga to some degree.

Your yoga practice can be as unique as you are. Whether your goal is to find inner peace, ease anxiety or depression, gain strength and muscle, or increase flexibility, yoga can help.

The benefits of yoga go beyond general physical fitness. Regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce instances of heart disease and other medical conditions. Many individuals who have long suffered from anxiety and depression have found profound relief. Soldiers returning from war have found yoga to help with PTSD. Children with hyper activity issues and problems with focus and attention have been found to perform better in school when introduced to yoga. Athletes have reported an increase in flexibility and range of motion. Personally I have found relief from painful symptoms associated with endometriosis. Yoga can teach compassion to oneself and to others and  leads to an overall increase in general well being,

Family classes are a great way for children and family/caregivers to bond.
Chair classes are phenomenal for elderly with limited mobility.

For every individual there is a class or style to suit your unique needs.

Yoga is not a religion and will not go against or conflict in any way with your personal religious affiliation. While many people do associate a spiritual attribute to their practice, you certainly don't have to have any sort of spiritual or religious affiliation to practice or benefit from practicing yoga. It is more of a lifestyle or guide to healthy living. While most people are familiar with the Asana, or physical poses of yoga, there are actually 8 limbs (Ashtanga) which we will touch on in later posts.

Whoever you are and wherever you are in your yoga journey, I invite you to try something new and see what yoga can do for you!

Namaste.

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