questions about yoga
Face it, yoga is here to stay. It’s been around since forever, and it will be around forevermore. In Santa Clarita, there are many venues for yoga to choose from, and for someone new to yoga, it may seem overwhelming. Here are some frequently asked questions for those who want to do more than just contemplate their navel, and see what yoga has to offer.
Question #1 – I have never done yoga in my life, but I have heard it is good for your mind, body, and spirit. The problem is, I am very out of shape, and cannot even touch my toes. Do I need to lose weight and get in shape before I go to a yoga class?
Answer – That is a great question! Many people believe they have to be in tip top shape before they even venture to a yoga class. Not true! It doesn’t matter if you have never stepped into a gym or you are a gold medal gymnast; they don’t call it a “practice” for nothing. Everyone is at their own level, there is no competition, and even if you can’t bend over, you will be instructed to modify the moves to work for you. Eventually, you will notice a big difference in your flexibility.
Question #2 – The yoga poses look scary to me. How will I know what to do?
Answer - The truth is, yoga is less about poses and more about BREATHING. Yoga is all about the breath. You breathe in through your nose and out your nose. Sometimes the breath sounds like Darth Vader. When that happens, it’s great! 
Your yoga instructor will direct you as to what to do, and will demonstrate where to put your feet and hands, and remind you to breathe, breathe, breathe. Many yoga studios offer introductory classes so that you can become familiar with the breathing and the poses even before you venture into a Beginner Class. The yoga instructors are there to help and are happy to guide you through the process.
Question #3 – What if I don’t have a yoga mat?
Answer – Studios such as YogaWorks and Yoga Yoga will happily lend you a yoga mat. They also provide blankets, bolsters, straps, and blocks to aid your practice. When you decide that yoga is for you, a yoga professional can guide you to get the best mat. If you opt for a private lesson where a yoga teacher will come to your house, ask them to bring an extra mat for you to borrow until you get your own.
Question #4 – What do I wear to a yoga class?
Answer – One of the great things about the many gyms in Santa Clarita is they also offer yoga classes. You can wear the same thing to your yoga class that you work out in. No shoes are needed, however, since you do your practice in bare feet. Another tip is to wear layers since your body will heat up. If you already belong to a gym, try a yoga class on for size.
Question #5 - I heard that yoga is hard and not much fun.
Answer – That is so funny because that is exactly what I thought when I started to do yoga. I hated it! I thought it was hard, not fun, and I just didn’t get the whole concept. In fact, I went to about three yoga classes and called it quits for about a year. Then I decided to give it another go and I was hooked!! My suggestion is to give it some time and put judgement aside. It’s doing you a world of good, I promise you. Many studios offer a free introductory class which is a great way to test the waters.
Question #6 – I have a bad back. Can I still do yoga?
Answer – Definitely YES! In fact, most yoga studios offer therapeutic yoga classes specifically for those who have suffered from injuries. Some studios may offer pre-natal and family classes, too! Yoga is for everybody.
Question # 7 – What does Namaste’ mean? Is it religious?
Answer – At the beginning and end of yoga class, your yoga instructor may greet you with the word “Namaste’” which is Sanskrit for “The sacred space in me honors the sacred space in you.” It is a greeting such as ‘hello,’ ‘good-bye,’ or ‘shalom.’ It recognizes that we are all a shining light connected to one another. Namaste’ is not religious, it is universal. Just like yoga!
Namaste’.
Harriette Knight is a Master Healer, Psychic-Medium, and Author of CHAKRA POWER! How to Fire Up Your Energy Centers to Live a Fuller Life. For life changing healing sessions, healing jewelry, and workshops, please visit www. HarrietteKnight.com or call 661-254-4747.
I just completed my first two days of yoga and the questions you answered in your article were exactly the ones I asked before getting started. Right on! Nice! Thanks for the article:)