What is Yoga?

Developed in India, Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga, including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control, and general well-being.

Is Yoga a religion?

No and...maybe. It depends on how you define "religion" and how the Yoga practitioner approaches his or her practice. Yoga means union and can be interpreted as the union of the body, mind, and spirit. For many people, personal spirituality becomes part of the search for union. However, no ethical yoga teacher will tell you what form that spirituality must take.

Regardless of whether you choose to incorporate the spiritual aspect, the physical and psychological benefits of Yoga are real and don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, political persuasion or any other way people like (or dislike) to categorize themselves.

Has it been "proved" that Yoga is good for you?

Western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 50 years, and the evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga. Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga -- vs. exercise and controlled breathing -- that is beneficial. For example, a recent study with heart patients showed that those who followed a stress reduction program that included many Yoga practices did better than patients who simply exercised. Preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga maybe helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety, stress and others. Additional studies are underway.

What's the difference between Yoga and just plain stretching or normal exercise?

Traditional exercise is goal oriented: "How many push-ups can I do? Can I touch my toes? I'm going to do 10 more crunches today than I did yesterday." Yoga, by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In Yoga, you succeed by trying. In exercise you push yourself. In Yoga, you learn to relax and to let your body give. In Yoga, the body, rather than the mind, sets the pace.

There's also a difference on the physical level. Weight training, for example, makes you stronger by breaking down and rebuilding muscle tissue. It's this breaking down and rebuilding that results in the bulky muscle look. Yoga increases strength by toning and lengthening the muscles. The result is not "abs of steel." Instead it is a more subtle combination of strength, elasticity, and suppleness. It is the result of listening to your body and practicing "mindfully."

What's the best way to get started, especially if I'm out of shape or have physical limitations?

Find a teacher, get a book and/or video. One-on-one interaction with a teacher is an invaluable experience but often not readily available. Meanwhile, books and videos offer an alternative. They are available for various levels of experience and condition. Remember, there is a Yoga level for everyone, regardless of physical condition. Just remember to practice yoga mindfully.

Will Yoga help me lose weight and which style is best?

Yoga can make you look and feel better, regardless of your weight. That said, Yoga may help you slim down in a couple of ways. First, the exercises will help you burn calories. In addition, they'll help tone your muscles and improve of your posture. Yoga is also about healthy living, which includes a healthy diet. That doesn't mean you have to become a vegetarian, just that you should be conscious of the foods you eat, sticking with natural, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, etc. as much as possible while limiting your intake of junk food and foods high in fat, like red meat. Any of the basic hatha styles will help. The important thing is to practice daily (or at least 4-5 days a week) and to learn to listen to your body.

What is the most physically challenging form of Yoga?

Any one of the basic styles can be physically challenging. It depends on what you do and how you approach it. Some styles focus on holding postures for a long time, which can be very challenging, while others link a series of postures into a single flow, which results in a physical workout. Ashtanga, Bikram's, Iyengar, and Power Yoga are probably the most physically focused forms of Yoga.

How many times a week should I do Yoga and for how long?

Most classes offer a practice session that lasts 60-90 minutes. If you can do that everyday -- great. If not, try and do that much a few days a week, including a class or two, and fill in with shorter sessions on days when you don't have as much time. Any Yoga is better than no Yoga, and 15 to 20 minutes each day is better than 90 minutes once a week.

 

How do I prepare for a yoga class?

Come to class wearing comfortable, stretchy clothing. Bring a large towel and, if you have one, a yoga mat. Do not eat for at least 2 hours before class. Remove your shoes. Enter the space quietly and begin to bring your mind into the present moment by releasing the thoughts and cares of your day.

 

What is the cost of yoga classes at Okefenokee Yoga?

Check the Schedule page for information on class and workshop offerings and costs.

 

To help you get started, here are some useful Yoga links:

http://www.yogaclass.com  - Realaudio recordings that talk you through yoga poses.

http://www.yogasite.com/ - An excellent resource site with many links to other sites and the source of the FAQ questions and answers above.

http://www.will-harris.com/yoga/ - Desktop yoga - a yoga-break for the office.

http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ - The American Yoga Association website. It has lots of helpful health information and, each month, a new excerpt from their best selling book.

RSLacefield 2004 --  Revised from material by yogasite.com