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| Yoga FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Yoga
A: Not at all true! There are no prerequisites to Yoga, this is not like getting into college - you don't have to fit any particular profile. It is also not like dancing either, all body types are welcome and capable - we do not strive for a singular perfect ideal posture or body. There are varied forms of every pose depending on your level and your capabilities. Many people cannot touch their toes - it is not a barrier to entry and it is not necessarily impossible to change. In fact, after regularly practicing Yoga for a while you will be surprised just how much closer your fingers and toes will get, they may even meet some day. For many very fit people that workout regularly and do various high impact routines, such as running, their muscles tend to be on the tighter side. Yoga can be the perfect balance for those types of activities to help increase flexibility. It is a good rule of thumb to grab a blanket, two blocks and a strap before class. These props can help "prop you up" for poses that are more challenging. Blankets pad the knees or lift the seat, blocks bring the floor closer to you and straps bring you foot closer to you. Some day you may even find that you don't need the props anymore, in the mean time don't be shy to use them as they can be very helpful.
A: So not true! It is humorous that Yoga has even gotten labeled as a female thing in the United States. Historically, in India Yoga was predominately practiced by men. Women only came on to the Yoga scene much later. In the United States and in India today, Yoga is open to both men and women alike. It is true you may come across some classes that the women out number the men, but that is on the verge of change as recognition of the value of Yoga has expanded to many different people. So if you are thinking, "Hey, I am a guy, this is for chicks," eliminate that thought from your head and give Yoga a fair and objective try. You just may find that it is exactly what your body needs. Check out Where Are All the Men?, an article from Yoga Journal and the other articles posted in our Corporate/Workplace section at the bottom of the Classes page.
A: Introduce yourself to the teacher if they have not already done so. Let them know if you have any injuries that you are working with and that you are newer to Yoga. The teacher will then be able to offer variations on poses that are suitable for students working at various levels and with different physical limitations. As is taught in Anusara Yoga, the first step is to Open to Grace. Take a step back, soften the body, take a breath and set the foundation before you move forward into the pose mindfully. Downward Facing Dog is often viewed as a resting pose but it can be quite challenging in the beginning. If it is difficult for you take short breaks by bringing your knees to the earth and pausing on hands and knees. You can also move into a Child's Pose for a few breaths. Strain felt in the wrists in Downward Facing Dog can be alleviated by spreading the fingers wide, pressing all parts of the hands and fingers into the earth, ensuring the wrist creases are parallel to the front of the mat and that the hands are shooting straight out from the shoulders. If the transitions (also known as the Vinyasas) are too much or too fast for you in the beginning, take less of them and rest in Downward Facing Dog or Child's Pose, as needed. Always striving to move with the breath, letting the breath lead the movement and finding the breath while in every pose will make your practice more comfortable and enjoyable. Lastly, remember that this is a life long journey and you don't have to do everything every day. Respect your limits and know that there are some things that will come quickly to you and some things you will need to practice and cultivate over time. Be gentle and mindful of your body, treat it as sacred because it is sacred.
A: Wear something comfortable and loose fitting that you an easily move in. Natural and breathable fibers, such as cotton and bamboo work well. Remember, you will definitely be generating heat in the body and you will likely be working up a sweat. You want something that will both allow you to move, keep you cool and potentially wick sweat. You may want to bring your own mat, a towel or a water bottle with you to class. Check out the Yoga Shopping section of the Useful Resources page for some ideas on where to purchase mats and clothing for Yoga practice. Studios will almost always have mats for students to use, some are free and some are at a nominal fee. Keep in mind if you are sensitive to that fact that many others may have used the same mat, you should consider investing in one of your own. The Brooklyn Yogini has mats on reserve for all private clients. If you are looking for a cool bag to carry your mat in check out our Shop.
A: There are a few things you can do to help with this. If it is only a little bit of slipping that you are experiencing, you can experiment with placing a Yoga strap across the top of the mat once or twice so the palms of your hands have the cotton of the strap underneath them in Downward Facing Dog and other poses where the hands are down at the front of the mat. You can also try bringing a towel to class to wipe sweat and/or place where your hands are most often positioned and/or slipping (usually at the top of the mat). Often slipping on the mat, regardless of how much you sweat or don't sweat, is due to the mat not being sticky enough - this is especially so if you find the feet slipping as well as the hands. The Brooklyn Yogini has been through many different kinds of mats over the years and she has found that for herself and her students Jade and Lululemon mats are the stickiest, see the Yoga Shopping section of the Useful Resources page for more information on those products. Lastly, there is a product called Yoga Paws that you wear on your hands and/or feet with little grippers on them to prevent slipping. The Brooklyn Yogini has never tried this out so if you do, be sure to her how it worked for you!
A: The Brooklyn Yogini was certified in a Vinyasa based training program that drew from several different teachings, including Anusara, Ashtanga and ISHTA. She has also completed the Anusara Immersion program. Her classes are a moderately paced Vinyasa flow, with the incorporation of some Anusara techniques that have really resonated with her. Occasionally, she will incorporate a restorative pose or two at the end of class. If you would like to learn more about other styles of Yoga, check out this list of articles and resources from Yoga Journal.
A: This is not an easy task but it can become a very fulfilling and worthwhile one. Being able to practice at home, at work, in the great outdoors, or while you are traveling will help you integrate Yoga into your every day lifestyle. The Brooklyn Yogini never travels without a mat in tow. If you are traveling, be sure to pack a few items that are essential for a peaceful practice, maybe its your mat or favorite Yoga gear. Before you begin your practice, find someplace quiet where you not be distracted or disturbed, turn of cell phones and other connections to the outside world of chaos and do things to set the mood - maybe dimming the lights, lighting a candle or playing some peaceful Yoga tunes. If you have access to a television, you might consider practicing along with a DVD or a televised Yoga program. The Brooklyn Yogini loves to watch Namaste Yoga at home and Yoga Journal offers a great selection of DVDs for purchase. If you are looking for something online Yoga Today has daily free classes you can view straight from your computer. If you are a computer guru you can search for instructional videos on YouTube and/or subscribe to weekly podcasts on iTunes from Yoga Journal, Yoga Today or many others.
A: The Brooklyn Yogini feels at her personal best when she practices everyday, in fact that is one of her dreams. In the beginning stages of developing a practice start yourself out slow, maybe shooting for a couple of classes a week. Over time your body will tell you how many classes a week feel good and what balance of different styles or instructors work for you. The deeper you get in your practice the more you will crave it. Just keep in mind, Yoga is meant to reduce stress. Don't get yourself in a tizzy if you cannot get to class everyday. Consider the recommendations mentioned above in developing a practice outside of class to supplement your participation in group classes. Figure out what works best for your lifestyle and how to reasonably incorporate Yoga into your schedule. You want to be truly present when you show up to class or to practice, not dwelling on other responsibilities you left unresolved to get to class.
A: It is best not to eat before class and to practice on an empty stomach. Try not to eat for at least a couple of hours before practice if the meal is light and four if it is on the heavier side. You will feel uncomfortable, possibly nauseous and have difficulty practicing if you are fighting the body's desire to focus on digestion. If you need to grab something to eat close to your practice time, opt for lighter and easier to digest choices like fruit, celery, carrots or a handful of nuts or seeds.
A: Arrive early for class so you have time to get yourself signed in, settled and centered. It will be harder to calm down and focus if you get to class late in a frenzied state, rushing around. Pick a spot in the room that feels right to you that day and be mindful of the distance between you and your fellow yogis. Many classes in NYC can be jam-packed with students mat to mat. Be considerate with your body and arm span in those cozy situations, trying at all times to keep yourself on your mat. Taking your arms up and down through center can be great choice, rather than swan diving with the arms out wide. Place your jackets, bags and other belongings that are not essential during practice in the storage cubes or closet. It can cause distraction and difficultly balancing for you and others to practice in a space that is cluttered, much like it is difficult to focus on work when the mind is cluttered. Be sure to turn of all cell phones before class begins. If you are newer to Yoga or are working with injuries be sure to let the teacher know. Lastly, respect your limits and where you are in your practice by choosing a class that is a suitable level for you.
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