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KCFITNESSLINK
Yoga
The Mind-Body Experience
The Mind-Body Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is
often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. Today most people
practicing yoga are engaged in, asanas, which is a program of physical
postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength
and stamina required for long periods of meditation.
What does Hatha mean?
The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of
physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of
asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures
are also designed to open the many channels of the body–especially the
main channel, the spine–so that energy can flow freely.
Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon."
This refers to the balance of masculine aspects–active, hot, sun–and
feminine aspects–receptive, cool, moon–within all of us.
What does Om mean?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning
and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe.
Do I have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?
The first principle of yoga philosophy is practicing non-harming behavior
to yourself and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating
animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community–I
believe that it is a personal decision that everyone has to make for
themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take
into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will
affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be
something that you impose on others–that kind of aggressive action in
itself is not an expression of ahimsa.
How many times per week should I practice?
Yoga is amazing–even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will
experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you
will certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three
times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only
do 20 minutes per session, that's fine too.
How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures.
Yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the
fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind,
body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this
process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought
patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them.
Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated
5,000 years ago. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such
as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in
order to practice or study yoga. It is also not necessary to surrender your
own religious beliefs to practice yoga.
I'm not flexible–can I do yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they
need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you
need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as
you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more
flexible.
This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and
enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical
confidence and overall well-being.
What do I need to begin?
All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a
bit of curiosity. A yoga mat, towel and water for hydration are the only
requirements.
Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before
class?
In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend
forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will
make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a
person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get
hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such
as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Source: Yoga Journal
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