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Q: Is yoga considered a weight-bearing exercise?
A: Yes, the postural practice of yoga is a balance of developing strength and flexibility. A session will typically move the body through weight-bearing versions of everyday stances: standing, on all fours, lying on the stomach and on the back. On series of studies showed that women who began a balanced yoga practice after menopause, not only maintained but increased bone mass. Very unexpected.
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Q: I'm strong. I work out. But I'm inflexible. Is that a problem?
A: Yoga defines physical health as a balance of strength and flexibility (it defines mental health that way too!) If you're strong, chances are your body has worked out short cuts to avoid calling on an inflexible area. That inflexibility extends through the layers of tissue, reducing blood and lymphatic flow, and restricting the body's ability to support and protect vital organs and the spinal network. Apart from being inconvenient, inflexibility can lead to joint, back, shoulder and neck pain, and higher risk of injury when moving, among other problems. That's why many professional baseball, hockey, and basketball players have a personal "yoga" trainer. The good news, flexibility is our birthright and it's easy enough to "get back" with daily practice. It's one of those things that just begins to happen over time, as the body remembers it's original condition.
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Q: I'm in my early 50's and in good shape. I want a work out. What about Ashtanga?
A: Here's a controversial one. In N. America, Ashtanga and/or Hot Yoga is often presented as appropriate to all ages. But the yogic texts specifically recommend a shift to a more breath (pranayama)-based practice as we age. The reasons for this are three-fold. Physically, the third stage of life (sunset) is about conservation. Recognizing the different mechanisms and time factors involved in maintaining, and when necessary healing the 50+ body, the ancient's recommended a "cooling" practice that would manage wisely the existing resources of the body. Practices such as Ashtanga and Hot Yoga were thought to be "heating", and linked to immune dysfunctions such as rheumatoid arthritis where the body attacks it's own tissue. Beginning to prioritize a practice of pro-longing the breath was thought to cultivate the physical stamina and mental steadiness needed to tackle the real work of our "sunset"; turning to the demands, questions, and mysteries of spirit.
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Q: What's better: doing yoga or going to the gym?
A: It's not a question of "What" but "How". The gym's a great way to maintain physical fitness, providing variety, technical precision, and a social element. However, the Eastern traditions remind us that how we feel (our sense of well-being and vitality) is not just about what the body is or is not doing mechanically, but a function of the relationship between mind and body.
Example One: NOT yoga...
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At the gym: If I'm on the treadmill watching news of the latest political scandal and I'm feeling aggravated and thinking harsh thoughts... my body is registering STRESS. Sure, my heart rate is elevated and I may be reaching my cardiac goal, but every cell in my body is in "Defend" mode. A reading of my vital energy would find little benefit to my workout.
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On the mat: The same could be said of the person doing a picture-perfect yoga posture. If the mind is not in the right place, then the body is faithfully initiating the resource requisitions for STRESS. The net result of my practice is negative for repair and maintenance of my physical being and I'm certainly no closer to my goal of quieting the mind in order to develop some connection to my deeper wisdom.
Example Two: Yoga...
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At the gym: I'm seated at a machine, feet well grounded, spine erect, shoulders relaxed. I breath deeply on the IN, and push away the bars counting down a slow Exhale including an abdominal contraction, focusing my mind on the breath only, allowing myself to feel the space and sensations of this moment...
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On the mat: I've finished a good session. My back feels better, and I can breath more deeply after the postures. I lie down for the relaxation and instead of falling asleep, like I usually do, my mind is alert but calm. My body is deeply relaxed. I can't describe it, but for the first time in a long time, I feel...less anxious, more centered, more "here". Just... here.
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Q: I've got a yoga DVD and a book. Should I still take a class?
A: I'm biased but I think the answer is a very clear - YES! I have often seen students who have hurt themselves or who have been turned off yoga because they "tried it already" when they were following a practice, teacher, tradition or level inappropriate for their own self. A qualified teacher brings the teachings to life. S/he will teach the posture and modifications correctly, know whether the practice is suited to you, help you to adapt the practice and find what you need to advance in your studies.
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Q: I've just found out I'm pregnant. Is yoga safe? |
A: Gentle breath and posture work is a wonderful way to facilitate the early weeks of pregnancy but the key word here is GENTLE! Yoga considers the first priority to be creating a cool, welcoming, balanced environment in the body. Therefore, exercises or breath techniques that raise "heat" in the abdomen are discouraged until the pregnancy is well-established. That includes other aerobic and fitness activities that emphasize "core" work. If you're doing a regular practice, lighten up on twists, forward bends and "on the belly" movements. Pranayama should emphasize a balanced ratio with minimal retentions after the exhale. Let the instructor know you're pregnant as soon as you do and consider scheduling a private session. See Birth Services
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Q: I want to do prenatal yoga but there are no classes right now. What are my options? |
A. Perhaps you're getting close to your due date, or perhaps you've fallen "between group class sessions". Doing some kind of daily practice at all stages of your pregnancy is a powerful way to prevent later problems, prepare for the physical & mental/emotional demands of labour and enjoy this stage of your pregnancy to the fullest. If you've been attending classes for awhile, you can adapt practices you already know for pregnancy. DVD's and books can help but because they're "generic" it's difficult to know whether they're well-suited to your physical and situational circumstances right now. Whether or not you're already practicing, consider booking a private session or two to create an adjusted practice for you right now. See Birth Services
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