More about Yoga
WHO CAN DO YOGA?
If you can breathe and think, you can do yoga.
You do not have to be flexible or strong to begin yoga. You do not have to be able to touch your toes or put your foot behind your head. The teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar call for using props to help those of us who are less flexible and strong. We use walls for balance and to help protect our backs; we use straps to give us the reach to grab our feet, if it’s really necessary; we place our hands on blocks if the floor is too far away to reach.
You can do yoga if you cannot sit on the floor. You can do yoga if you cannot stand up. There are restorative forms of yoga that can be done for those who are ill or undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy.
What can yoga do for me?
Physically, yoga can improve your flexibility and strength and teach you about how you can discover healthy ways of living and playing. It can help athletes, or anyone engaged in every day life, recover from injuries and prevent them.
Emotionally, it can give you the strength you need to take a healthier path in life.
Mentally, it can give you the discipline and focus to improve your health and to reduce stress in your life.
To learn more about my yoga musings, see http://www.pratipaksha.com/
How do I prepare for a yoga class?
You don’t have to get strong or get flexible first. Just show up!
If possible, avoid eating for two or more hours ahead of time. Don’t drink more than a few swallows of water immediately before class.
Wear stretchy, non-binding clothes that are not too baggy. (It helps me help you if you wear tights or shorts, so I can see your knees.)