New to yoga or looking for basic private yoga classes? Haven Yoga shares 5 common questions for beginners to help reach a deeper practice and learn meditation.
What do I need to begin yoga?
All you need to begin practising yoga is your body, mind and willingness to learn and a mat. It’s important to practice in what feels comfortable – leggings, shorts, t-shirt or singlet. Choose what feels right for you. No special footgear is required as you will be barefoot. It’s always a good idea to bring water and a towel along with your yoga mat.
Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga?
No – many people believe you need to be flexible to begin yoga however that is not the case! Come as you are, and you will find that yoga practice will help you to become more flexible. Not only will your flexibility increase so will your strength, coordination, cardiovascular health, confidence and overall well-being.
How many times per week should I practise yoga?
It’s good to practice once a day, even for just 5 minutes when you first wake up in the morning. We suggest starting with 1 or 2 classes per week, if you do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. You will likely find that the more you practice, the more your desire to practice expands naturally.
How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Yoga is more than just physical postures – we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Through this process of inward attention, we become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment and learn to become more present in our daily lives. The awareness we foster is what makes yoga a life practice, rather than a task to be completed.
Can yoga help me lose weight?
Yes – the gentle postures combined with mindful breathing help to detoxify the body, cleanse the digestive tract and reduce anxiety and stress. Stress is one of the biggest contributors to weight gain. Yoga can not only help decrease your stress but also strengthen your body and tone your muscles.
