- Can I do yoga if I am not flexible?
- Can I eat before practicing yoga?
- Can i do yoga if I am pregnant?
- Can i do yoga if I am menstruating?
- What age can kids start yoga?
- How often and for how long should I practice?
- What should I wear to a class?
1. Can I do yoga if I am not flexible?
Yes, yoga is designed for everyone. We are all built differently and have varying levels of strength and flexibility so the poses should not all look the same. Yoga is about appreciating our differences and finding a position that enhances our health rather than expecting to be in some ‘pretzel’ type shape.
The poses are not designed to promote flexibility, they are created to heal or maintain the health and vitality of the places they expose. So if there is tension the area exposed will release and your range of motion will increase but if there is no tension there will be no need to release. The pose will work its magic by increasing circulation and oxygen to the area thus flushing away toxins.
2. Can I eat before practicing yoga?
Ideally yoga is done on an empty stomach so have your meal 3 hours before the class so it has time to digest. Food in the stomach can reduce your range of motion and reduce your energy levels which will affect your practice, your ability to concentrate and the benefits you feel at the end.
I find that a piece of fruit or some nuts is ok to have an hour or so before the class if you are worried you will get hungry.
A yoga session in the morning before breakfast is a perfect time to practice.
3. Can I do yoga if I am pregnant?
Yes, but the practice should be modified to cater for the changing areas of your body.
The abdominal region needs to be protected from stress, strain or compression. Thus,it is very important to not lie on the abdomen.
When legs are straight then stand and sit with feet and knees at least hip width apart, do not stand or sit with knees together.
Do not do any poses that compress the groin as this can compromise the femoral nerve and femoral artery.
Forward bends that compress the stomach should be avoided. Wide legged forward bends are ok as the belly has freedom to move forward rather than being compressed.
Inversions should be approached with caution due to the increased compression in the neck, back and spine as a result of the extra weight you are carrying.
Listening to your breath and feeling the sensations in the body is vital as they tell you straight away when a pose is not good for you. For example, if you feel pain and/or the breath becomes rushed or stressed you need to adjust to ensure your practice is safe, beneficial and rewarding.
Please hear me but don’t listen to me as I am not a doctor. You are the best teacher so I encourage you to all seek all the necessary advice from others and then decide what feels good and is best for you. Last word of advice is to trust your intuition!
4. Can i do yoga if I am menstruating?
Yes, No, Maybe. There are different schools of thought. Some say practice no inversions and some say practice all inversions. Concern has been raised about inversions. It has been said they will disturb the natural blood flow out of the body due to the body being upside down.
Since I know of no studies or research that makes a compelling argument to avoid inversions during menstruation, and since each woman is affected differently and can vary from cycle to cycle, I am of the opinion that each woman is responsible for making their own decision.
Pay attention to how you respond to all postures, especially inversions during your cycle.. You may find a long headstand does not feel good but a short one is ok. If your energy is low you may find a restorative practice with some props may be just what you need.
The bottom line is hatha yoga is full of mixed opinions and contradictions leaving us each responsible for making our own decision. Pay attention to your body and you decide what feels good and what doesn’t and alter your practice accordingly taking into account your energy levels and emotional levels at the time.
5. At what age can kids start yoga?
Ideally new Mums join a post pregnancy yoga class with their newborn. Yoga with your baby is a wonderful way for you to do your yoga practice whilst deepening the connection with your new baby. From age 3 kids can be taught playful yoga. This promotes better body awareness, can help them concentrate better and learn to relax.
6. How often and for how long should I practice?
Ideally, practice yoga every day to achieve to maximum results. For some this is not possible so two-three times a week for anywhere between 30-90 minutes is best to really feel the benefits of yoga.
7. What should i wear to yoga classes?
Something comfortable!. Most people wear leggings, lycra, tracksuits or shorts so they are able to move freely during the class without feeling constricted. A warm top is recommended to put on during the relaxation component of the class.