Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoga?
Yoga is one of the six systems of Hindu Philosophy of India. What makes it unique, is that Yoga is a practical philosophy, that uses specific practices to achieve self-realisation. Hatha Yoga specifically means “the Yoga of force”, not in the sense that it requires forceful effort, but rather it has forceful effects.
Yoga has been best synthesised by sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, where it is explained that there are various aspects to Yoga, some of which are to be practiced in everyday life. What we can practice in the classroom, are mainly the use of breathing techniques (which can help us be more present, focused, and calm in everyday life) and postural practice (which helps us strengthen the body and can help in bringing us to a meditative state).
Yoga is fitness of the body, mind, and soul.
I am not very flexible, can I do Yoga?
That’s absolutely fine! You cannot learn how to ride a bike if you do not practice, right?
If you are not very flexible, it is a good opportunity to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination at the same time.
Being overly flexible can be an issue in the long run, if you do not also have enough strength in your muscles.
The important thing is to gain and maintain a healthy range of motion in your joints and release tensions.
During class you will be closing your eyes and focusing on your own body, your own breath, not on those around you. There is no competition, not with yourself, and not with others.
What can I expect from your classes?
My classes entail the practice of gentle yoga poses to improve body elasticity, the use of breathing techniques in order to improve health and increase our energy levels, and most importantly we will learn the highly beneficial art of deep relaxation; this will stimulate the production of hormones linked to happiness, such as endorphins and serotonin.
Through the gradual improvement of our practice, we will learn:
- Yoga poses and their preparatory phases,
- To know our bodies and their limits,
- To improve our alignment,
- To coordinate yoga poses with the right breathing rhythms,
- How to focus and meditate,
- To experience the benefits of deep relaxation,
- To improve our health physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Classes are set at a gentle pace, with no competition, favouring the practice of classic yoga.
I use a hands-off approach, which means that all instructions and adjustments are verbal and visual. This will allow you to ease into poses and let your body find its own alignment without strain and risk of injury.
Please let me know if you have a specific medical condition or injury before class, so that I may adjust for your needs.
How should I prepare for class?
- Wear something comfortable and breathable. If you get cold easily, it is a good idea to bring something like a blanket or sweater to put on when we do the final Relaxation.
- Refrain from eating for 2-3 hours before class. We will be doing twisting and bending motions, and if you have not fully digested your meal you will definitely notice. Liquids are not an issue.
- Bring your own mat (or ask me for one if you do not have one yet) and a large towel to place on the mat. This is for comfort and hygiene reasons.
- Turn off your phone or put it on silent during class.
I have a health condition / injury, can I still practice?
Please let me know if you have a specific medical condition or injury before class. I teach using a gradual method, so most things can be modified to suit your needs.
In general, do not push your limits, listen to your body and rest or go back to an easier version of the pose whenever you need to.
Is Yoga for men also?
My classes are for everyone. Traditionally Yoga was taught to men by men, female teachers were much more rare.
Can Yoga help me lose weight?
As part of a healthy lifestyle, Yoga can aid in weight loss. Breathing exercises give us energy, which allow us to be more active, and the postural part of the practice often targets the endocrine system (which controls hormone production and metabolism) and massages the internal organs, aiding digestion.
Can I practice while on my period?
This is completely up to you. Some women prefer to rest completely, others practice with care (especially avoiding inversions), others practice as normal. There is no final verdict on what’s best, so just listen to your body.