Yoga: FAQ

• How can yoga help me with my body problems?
  
• How can yoga help me relieve stress?
  
• How can I avoid hurting myself while doing yoga?
  
• What if I'm too stiff and out of shape?
  
• Is yoga a religion?
  
• What if I feel self-conscious doing the exercises?
  
• How can I find a good yoga class?
  
• How long will it take me to feel results?

How can yoga help me with my body problems?

Many injuries and chronic aches and pains are caused by overdoing or under-doing. We might be overworking some areas of the body while others become weak. Just the inactivity of sitting at a desk all day, only using your eyes and your fingers on the keyboard, can cause trouble. The body likes to move, stretch, run, play -- yoga offers a complete method of stretching and strengthening so that the whole body becomes revitalized, and its capacity to heal is boosted.

How can yoga help me relieve stress?

(See "What is stress?" under Yoga Definitions)

Yoga reminds us to take time for ourselves. It is a well-known fact that exercise relieves stress, and a good yoga program offers the same promise and more. The stretching and strengthening of yoga recharge and balance the body, and the inner awareness from yogic breathing and meditation calms the mind. When the body is open and strong and the mind is focused and calm, we are empowered to face the challenges of life with freshness and self-confidence.

How can I avoid hurting myself while doing yoga?

Injuries are caused by overdoing or under-doing, as well as from doing a good exercise with poor alignment. To avoid injuries, follow instructions carefully, and be especially mindful of your body position when setting up for the exercise. Use a conscious energetic action in your muscles, but avoid clenching aggressively. And always breathe! You can also learn to tell the difference between the two main types of pain. The discomfort of a tight place being stretched, which you could call outgoing pain, will be temporary. Incoming pain, when you are straining, should be avoided.

What if I'm too stiff and out of shape?

No one is too stiff or out of shape to do yoga, and now is always a good time to start. Begin with just two or three exercises that are easy for you, and when you're ready, add more.

Is yoga a religion?

No, yoga is not a religion -- you can practice yoga while following any religion. In fact, many people find that their yoga practice deepens their connection to their chosen religion by encouraging self-awareness and mindfulness in everyday life.

What if I feel self-conscious doing the exercises?

You might feel self-conscious just because it's unfamiliar. Give it some time. Remember that you're doing this for yourself. After a short time, it will feel quite natural.

How can I find a good yoga class?

There are many styles of yoga; some emphasize the meditative aspect of the practice, others are more physically demanding. Some styles emphasize details, others don't. You can ask people you know who study yoga and try out a class. Yoga Journal magazine publishes an annual directory of teachers, organized by state. If you have physical problems, it would be good to ask the teacher how much experience she has with therapeutic yoga and what her training is.

How long will it take me to feel results?

This depends on your condition when you start. If you really give yourself to it with a positive attitude, results can come quickly. Long-term practice, of course, yields the best results.