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RACHEL BLACKMAN
Yoga Instructor |
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| Yoga Is For Everybody and Every Body |
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Good-day yogi’s, yogini’s!
Have you ever thought yoga was not for you? Injury, tension, tightness or inflexibility within your body may have kept you back from participating in a yoga class. You might think yoga is a series of contortionist moves only achievable by performers in Cirque de Soleil or limber bodies sporting turbans. You may have the fear you would be the only beginning |
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student in the room, while everyone else sits in perfect lotus, upside down.
You are not alone in your thoughts. While yoga’s popularity has boomed and is now accessible to people all around the globe, there are still incorrect misconceptions closing people minds to this practice.
The first thing to realise is that yoga is for everybody and every body. It does not matter what kind of physical condition you are in. People aged 8 – 80 years, lazy bums to surf bums, elite athletes to weekend heroes, heart patients to those with no patience, and diabetics to chocaholics all around the world are reaping the benefits of yoga. The key is effort – all you do is try your best.
Yoga does have an element of flexibility, but that does not mean if you are not flexible you can’t do yoga. Yoga is a balanced mixture of strength and flexibility. You use what strength you have to improve your flexibility. You use what flexibility you have to improve your strength.
There is no competition between students in the room. As a student, every class will be different, regardless of any common instructions given by the teacher, props used, postures practiced or the studio’s temperature each time. The emotional, physical or mental state of student, as well as their understanding and commitment to each of the postures, can distract or enhance their practice. You could walk in as a first time student and do better than someone who has practiced for 5 years. The next class, you may be humbled and learn from the student in front of you. Over time, you will learn to accept your body and practice for where it is on any particular day, and enjoy exploring what your body is able to do. Your certified instructor will ensure you are not putting your body at risk, and will guide you as far into the posture as you are physically able to.
It is not all about the physical postures though. Yoga is an art and science of physical, mental, and spiritual development. The postures are not an end in themselves, but are way of gaining control of your mind, and eventually opening up your mind and body to a deeper spiritual development. |
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The benefits of yoga are unlimited. Some benefits include; improved flexibility and strength throughout the whole body; stress relief and normalised sleep patterns; erased arthritic pains in the joints; sharpened concentration, focus and reflexes; development of faith, self-belief, will power, determination and patience; and balanced blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
There are many different types of yoga classes you can participate in. Some common Hatha Yoga methods are Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga, Astanga Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Power Yoga. The best thing to do is research what methods or styles are available in your local area. Contact the studio and find out the details of the class. Find out how long the class goes for, what is involved in the class, and how you should prepare. Advise the studio and instructor if you are taking prescribed medication or have any injuries, illness or had recent surgery. As a general piece of advice, don’t eat a heavy meal three or four hours before class.
In closing – open your mind, obliterate the hesitation, grab a yoga mat, towel and water bottle and get to your first yoga class. You will be in downward dog before you know it!
Namaste
Rachel |
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