FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions I’ve been answering during my yoga journey

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.

The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behaviour in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).

For me, yoga is the union of the breath, body and mind – by creating awareness around our breath, we can notice what is happening within our body and our mind.

Can I do Yoga?

Yes! Because of the endless number of modifications for poses and the countless different styles of yoga, I believe that yoga is for everyone.  Your yoga practice might not include headstands, standing splits, full forward folds or an hour of seating meditation (I know mine doesn’t!!) but I can help you find alternatives for poses that don’t suit your body and guide you towards types of yoga that will give you the most benefit.

But I can’t touch my toes - can I still do yoga?

Flexibility is only one tiny piece of the yoga puzzle and many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga.  YOGA IS NOT ABOUT TOUCHING YOUR TOES!   It’s the same as thinking that you need to be good at swimming to take swimming lessons.

However, if you can’t touch your toes but want to be able to, that’s a really good reason to start practicing yoga! Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.

Can males do yoga?  And if so, do they?

A lot of men hesitate to do yoga because they're not “flexible enough” or they think it’s just for women. But these common thoughts are very much misconceptions!  Yoga was originally practiced only by men and for the answer to the flexibility argument, refer above to the “But I can’t touch my toes - can I still do yoga?” question.  At IMMY, we have quite a few men who regularly come along to class and they have noticed a huge difference in their lives – not only has yoga helped to improve their balance, increase their flexibility and strengthen their muscles, but it has also assisted them to deal with the stresses in their lives. 

Why should I do yoga?

For soooo many reasons!  Here are just a few -

• Improves your flexibility and balance

• Builds your muscle strength and tone

• Perfects your posture and protects your spine

• Improves your respiration, energy and vitality

• Maintains a balanced metabolism

• Increases your cardio and circulatory health

• Improves your athletic performance

• Protects from injury

• Calms your body

• Improves sleep quality

• Helps you to focus

• Encourages self-care

What does Namaste mean?

The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Therefore, namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."

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. Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us—that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves—the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.

Is yoga a religion because sometimes it sounds a bit cult-ish?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago.  The yoga sultras provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. 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.  Sometimes people find that it helps them to connect more with their chosen spiritual path.

What should I bring to class?

A yoga mat (ones from Kmart or Big W are great to get you started), a small towel and a water bottle.

Wear comfortable clothes that aren’t too baggy – no need for fancy active wear, unless that’s your thing 😉

What if I fall asleep during a meditation?

Just like a burp is seen as a compliment to the chef, falling asleep in yoga is a compliment to your teacher. It means that you feel comfortable enough in your yoga space to allow your body to relax enough to fall asleep (it may also mean that you are really, really tired). And if you happen to snore, even better!

Of course, if you are concerned about letting out a sneaky little snort, bring a small cushion along to class to place under your head during Savasana and this helps to avoid the slumber noises.

What if I fart in a yoga class?

Everyone else in the class will turn around and point at you! Only joking!

Passing gas while practicing yoga is actually very common (prenatal yoga classes are the worst). You're moving your body in ways that will stir up your guts, which is a good thing. The side effect is that it can cause anyone to pass gas on occasion. We're all adults here, and farting is perfectly natural.

Why are you not supposed to eat 2 – 3 hours before a 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.

Does loving yoga make you a hippy?

Once upon a time, yoga outside of India was most often done on communes by vegetarians. Although yoga came by this reputation honestly, these days everyone from doctors to CEOs are embracing it.

So, no, yoga does not make you a hippy. But it can perhaps begin to tinge your everyday life with an attitude of peace and kindness. And is that really so wrong?