What is your opinion of Bikram's methods versus other styles?
Hi. This is Debra. I love Bikram yoga and practicing in a heated room. I have a lot of respect for the practice. In fact it was my first introduction to you 10 years ago. I did find after a few years of practice that my body and spirit were craving a bit more as far as variety in poses (Bikram is a set series) as well as philosophy.
Hi. I'd like to get into yoga, but the vast number of varieties overwhelms me. I've tried a few, and I must say that I get dizzy having my head upside down. Are there gentle, relaxing varieties or should I be looking for a meditation class?
Hi. Thanks for the quesiton. There are a lot of yoga varieties out there, and it can be confusing. Most yoga classes in this area will be fall into a couple of categories - the more active, flowying, vinyasa styles, and the more traditional styles which tend to have fewer postures held longer. Some styles of yoga emphasis vinyasa and some emphasize a slower style. And within a particular style, they can vary. I would suggest you take a class and find a teacher that you relate to, regardless of style.
Yoga doesn't appear to confer any cardio benefits. Nor does it develop lean muscle mass. So must yoga be just a part of an overall fitness program to have any real benefit?
I'm thinking you didn't read my story today. Yoga can certainly be a cardio workout and build muscle. I happen to think other forms of exercise are important, too, but there are plenty of people who get a real benefit from yoga alone.
There is a lot being talked advertised as "therapeutic yoga" these days. Can you elaborate on what is meant by therapeutic yoga, and what are the qualifications to make someone a yoga therapist?
Hi. This is true, yoga is being used more and more for therapeutic purposes, which is great! There has been a lot of disucssion recently about whether all yoga is therapeutic, or whether only therapuetic yoga is therpautic. My feeling is that it's all therapeutic. However, for people who are dealing with a parituclar condition, it is important to find a yoga teacher who has training and experience. Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists are two places to get more information about therapeutic yoga and what best qualifies someone to teach yoga therapeutically.
I would have to say, after yoga teaching me to respond better and understand my body, as well as balance, it did wonders for my golf game. Then I showed my father (66), it improved his game and now his whole group is on it.
Great! I hear this often and am always so happy when I learn about someone outside of the typical yoga demographic (25-35) who embraces yoga and finds it benefitting their lives. Yoga is a wonderful compliment to other activities. Our clients include baseball players, dancers, basketball players, soccer players, runners etc - all who feel like it improves their "game".
Hi. I walked by that rally last week against the possible D.C. yoga tax, but I don't know anything about it. What exactly is the proposal? And what's its status?
We are happy to say that there will not be taxes on yoga and meditation classes therefore not creating additional barriers for people to enjoy the practice. We are also happy to say that the yoga community really came together in the spirit of what yoga is all about and will be putting together programs offering more free and reduced price classes as well as classes outside of our studios focusing on areas currently not located near studios.
We are about to launch a campaign next week illustrating ways the district can get involved in making sure the benefits of yoga are shared with those who can really use it. Stay tuned!
One thing that annoys me about celebrities: When asked how they stay so slim, they enthusiastically respond, "I do yoga!" I find that answer misleading since the typical one hour session of vinyasa burns, what, 200 calories? You'd have to do a LOT of yoga to burn the equivalent number of calories that a 45 minute run (or other intense cardio) would burn. Can you enlighten us on how good yoga is for weight loss? I suspect most of these celebrities also have a very low calorie diet and/or do a lot of cardio in addition to practicing yoga. (I'm not arguing it's not beneficial for other purposes. I'm just asking you to shed some light on how to effectively use yoga to lose weight).
Hi. Yeah, it seems like every celebrity these days is doing yoga, doesn't it? I have taught yoga for people with eating disorders, and have a lot of familiarity with how yoga/mindfulness can influence our eating behavior. It's not just that we burn off calories during a yoga class (which we do) but we also learn new ways to relate to our bodies. We learn to value our bodies more, and we also start to be more conscious of how and what we are putting into our bodies. And this always leads to improved health and generally leads to finding our optimal weight. I have seen it happen in yogis many many times.
Debra adds - there is a great recent study for the weight loss question http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weightloss/9301/yoga-and-weight-loss/1273774695018
Any opinions on Aseem Shukla's view that: "Hindus must take back yoga and reclaim the intellectual property of their spiritual heritage--not sell out for the expediency of winning more clients for the yoga studio down the street." http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/aseem_shukla/2010/04/nearly_twenty_million_people_in.html
I noticed this debate happening and think that Deepak Chopra had a wonderful way of reflecting about the emergence of yoga in the US. I will try to find his response and post the link in a moment! Here is the link to the enlightening conversation! http://www.yogadork.com/2010/04/29/yoga-and-hinduism-deepak-chopra-vs-aseem-shukla-beef-continues-with-fervor-religious-and-non/
I don't have any good yoga studios around me so I've ordered some DVDs. I haven't been in a class for a year or so (since I moved) and I'm a little worried about making sure I'm doing postures right and pushing myself enough. Do you think yoga outside of a class is a good idea?
Hi. Sorry to hear you don't have a yoga studio nearby. Do you have any friends who do yoga nearby? I'm not a huge fan of DVDs, not just because of alighment quesitons, which could be a concern, but also because part of what we get from a yoga teacher is the energy of his/her own practice. What I get from a good teacher is all of their practice, all the sweat and hard work they have put in is shared with me when they are teaching me. A teacher can know us, and can know our habit energies, the ways we get stuck and they can see our hearts and our longings. A DVD can't do that as well. But if you have friends in the practice, you can get together and help each other in that way. And if you don't have anyone nearby, then I would suggest keep practicing with the DVD and check in with other yogis and teachers as often as you can. Good luck!
Annie, my 9-year old son does yoga at your studio and loves it! Can you describe some of the benefits of yoga for children?
Hi! So happy to hear that your son does yoga. You probably know as well as I do what the benefits are for kids. For one thing, yoga class can be a place where kids who aren't normally "successful" at PE or making sports teams, can move and stretch and strengthen their bodies away from all the competition that often surrounds physical activities for kids. They will definitely get more flexible, stronger, and more balanced if they stick with it. They can also develop the ability to self-calm themselves using the breathing and realxation techniques that we teach in class. I've had kids tell me that they used their belly breathing before a test and that it really helped calm them down. This is the reason I opened the studio in the very first place, because I met so many kids who were already stressed out at age 5 or 6! Have fun. xo.
Hi. I am generally healthy but very prone to joint injuries. I also get lower back pain that can be triggered by arching and twisting my back. I tried yoga a couple of times and really enjoyed it but later my back was killing me. I'm not sure why, but now I'm scared to try again. Thoughts?
I think is is important to find an educated teacher who can cater to your needs. Many studios have therapeutic classes or classes that move more slowly and focus on alignment. You may benefit from calling your local studio and asking which teacher would be the best fit!
My mom is almost 70, and I'd like to recommend yoga to her. She's not very active, although she does walk about 10 miles a week. She recently joined a gym with a pool and she is doing pool exercises now. She's perhaps 35 pounds overweight. Is there a good yoga style to recommend she ask for at her fitness club? Thanks.
Hi. This is so wonderful that you want to share your yoga practice with your mom. I'm not sure how many possible styles of yoga her fitness club would have, but something gentle would be a good place to start. If you practice regularly, you could even teach her a few poses next time you are together! xo
I am 11 weeks pregnant and am very interested in taking a prenatal yoga class. There is one starting in my area next week. My doctor thought it was a great idea. Only issue is that I have never done yoga before. Will this be easy for me to pick up? Anything I should know in advance? Thanks.
Yes! Again, I recommend checking out the teacher's experience. It is a great way to meet other moms to be and prepare for birth and motherhood!
What is the evidence and studies on whether yoga helps prevent some diseases? I am interested in what yoga may not. Not just for well being, but whether it can avoid some future troubles.
Simply by promoting flexibility, balance and strength, yoga certainly helps you stay healthy as you age. You might want to pick up the book "Yoga As Medicine," by Timothy McCall. Studies of specific diseases are going to be hard to come by. But yoga is gaining acceptance in the medical community, so that might change over the next few years.
Hi. I'm a christian and want to practice yoga, but I'm intimidated by the chanting and talks about hindu gods. Is yoga a religion?
Hi. This is a very intersting question, and I do not have the answer :-) However, I can say that yoga is a spiritual practice, although I think I would say that almost anything can be done as a spiritual practice. I have been to seminary myself, and I also am an ordained lay minister in a Buddhist tradition, and I find that there is commonality between yoga and most other spiritual traditions. Find a teacher that you like who doesn't emphasize chanting and hindu gods, and enjoy!
I'm interested, but it's so hard to fit it into my life and routine. Any suggestions?
Hi. Thanks for your note. This is something that we all run into... not enough time to do all of what we want to do. When I started practicing yoga and meditation, I only practiced when I was with a group. Then, when I decided that I really wanted to deepen my practice, I started practicing about 5 minutes every morning. As time went by, the time and energy that I wanted to devote to my practice has grown. When you are ready to really practice, you will find 5 minutes to meditation, or 5 minutes to do one pose, or 5 minutes to sit up in bed and breathe. Once you start, you will notice the benefits, and will naturally want to make more time for it. This is what I have seen happen for many people. I find that it is better to set aside 5 minutes each day rather than trying to do 60 minutes once in a while when we have time. xxo
I have been practicing yoga for about six years and over that time I have found very few yoga instructors who teach the actual "culture" of yoga. Most of the instructors I have encountered seem to have received their certificates from the local "Five & Dime." I fear the practice of yoga is suffering from trendiness. Care to comment?
My comment is to stick with the teachers that serve your interest, in this case the "culture" of yoga. This is what is going to serve you best and the practice you will get the most benefit from. Yoga has been around for thousands of years and the teachers who don't add much substance to their classes in time may grow and get more seasoned. I find that there is a teacher and style for everyone and as long as a teacher is teaching from a place of authenticity and not pretending to be anything they are not - they are on the right path. The more yoga being shared the better. Some practitioners actually enjoy the absolute basics without too much "depth" when they first try out yoga.
Have either of you seen the documentary "Enlighten Up?" If so, what were your reactions?
I did see it. I thought it was ok!
It seems like a big part of the yoga community means going vegetarian, not drinking, stop wearing leather, throw out your tv, etc...I'm interested in taking up yoga for some of the physical and spiritual benefits but feel a bit intimidated by the "yoga crowd" and the purity that goes alongside it. Is there a place for me?
Hi. Interesting question. I practice yoga and also Buddhism, and they have some simliar precepts or suggestions on how to act. The reason that yoga and Buddhism offer such suggesitons is because thousands of years ago, the adherants found that not harming other beings, being honest, etc. actually led to less suffering for the individual. Not because it's the "right" thing to do, but because it was part of the spiritual path to enlightenment/happiness. The main tenant of all spiritual paths is non-harming. We all have to figure out what that means for ourselves. If we are looking down on others for their leather or what they eat, we may actually be harming. It gets deep and personal. One of my teachers says that the real test of our practice is in our relationships with others, not in what we wear, or eat, or watch on T.V. But limiting some of the more harmful activities can actually reduce our own suffering. make sense? So YES! there is room for you and everyone else in yoga... and keep asking these questions....xxo
I'm seeing a lot of questions filled with skepticism about the benefits of yoga. I started yoga during a really bad time in my life as a way to simply start a new routine and get out of a funk. It has literally transformed my life. I lost more than 20 pounds (I only do yoga, no other workout routines), I eat better (more consciously) and I am much more in tune with my body and my mind's needs. As for the physical transformation, I think that benefits can be gained even practicing small amounts (i.e. one to two hours a week). So for those that are hesitant, just try it without all the preconceived notions you may have.
I've heard so many stories like yours! One of the reasons I wrote this piece is I kept being amazed at how scared people are of yoga. (Not to name names, but a certain editor of mine has never tried it...) I get not wanting to do trapeze -- although I think it's ridiculously fun. That might not be your thing. But, honestly, yoga is one of those forms of physical activity that has something for everyone.
What can you tell us about this Saturday's event?
Ooh, yoga on the mall! We are super excited about it this year. It is the 5th year and we are expecting over 1000 yogis! Check out - http://www.dcyogaweek.com has all the info you need. Expect a day filled with yoga practice, demonstrations and community!
What I can tell you is that it will be FUN! I am so excited, Deb has put together an amazing line-up of activities from acro-yoga, hoop dancing, drumming, to plenty of yoga with the Washington Monument as a back-drop. What's not to like. Hope to see you there. xo
I am a 56-year-old woman who's been attending yoga classes since September. I no longer have any stiff joints or tight muscles. During February's blizzard, the gym was closed and I was snowed in, but I found yoga lessons on Comcast's On Demand fitness channel. The public library also has yoga DVDs. So anyone can try yogafor free, if they are embarrassed to take that first class.
Yes! And I always recommend to people to establish a home practice. This way you can take your yoga with you wherever you may be!
At what time is Shiva Rea leading a class? I have several things scheduled for Saturday so I want to be sure not to miss her.
Hi. We are leaving the schedule open for Saturday just because we know how things can change and we wouldn't want to mislead anyone. She will be there sometime between 1 and 5. Sorry we can't say more! Hope to see you there. xo
A few years ago, I attended Bikram yoga for a few months, where the studio is 110 degrees or hotter, and the class lasts 90 minutes. The heat made me dizzy at first, but what made me drop out was the excessive time commitment -- more than two hours when you add the time it takes to stop sweating and then take a shower. I now attend a 60-minute yoga class held at room temperature. I don't see any benefit to the extreme heat of the hot yoga class.
I know there are many people who enjoy it -- some argue the heat helps stretch the body so it can practice more deeply. I personally believe that we can practice in a comfortable temperature and still build flexibility.
I'm so glad you are here today! I'm a 50-year-old female who has let weight creep up on me in the last 10 years with no exercise to speak of. I'm starting a walking program and wanted to add yoga. (I was having lower back pain and was diagnosed with arthritis in my lower spine last fall.) Willow Street Yoga is very close to my home, but I just missed the start of their spring classes due to work. Are there any DVDs you would recommend I check out as a complete novice, to get me going until the next round of classes start in July? Also, as an FYI, Willow Street Yoga does have yoga classes that are for folks with neck and back injuries that stress a more gentle, slower class.
Hi. Thanks for your note. How wonderful that you are walking and starting yoga. I love Willow Street Yoga, you're lucky to be so close to it. I'm not sure, but I think most studos allow you to drop-in to a class even after the session has begun, so check that out before you give up on it. I myself don't use DVDs (see previous answer) and so I don't know any good ones for you to use. Suzie Hurley, the owner of Willow Street has at least one CD out that you should be able to buy there, and you could use that until you start classes. Most studios offer some kind of gentle or slower class, and some even offer specific classes for people with special needs. good luck! xo
Yoga DEFINITELY helps to build lean muscle mass! I've been in plenty of classes where I walk out completely sore for a few days. Your heart rate goes up and you also sweat. The first class I ever went to was a power yoga class, and I walked out completely drenched in sweat and was sore for a full week. Before you doubt the benefits, try going to a few classes.
Yep, that's great. So if you want to sweat, you can find yoga classes that make you sweat, and if you don't want to sweat, but would like to gently stretch and relax, you can find those too. What they all have in common is the emphasis on alignment and connecting the body with the heart/mind. They will likley all have some sort of meditation/centering, and some ending relaxation/savasana. xo
To the person concerned about chanting and hindu gods, I would agree that with some looking, you can find a good instructor who doesn't focus on those sorts of things. Just generally, though, I'd encourage you to think of chanting as a form of singing and an exercise in and of itself . The vibrations are good for your body! If you don't want to chant the actual words because you don't believe in them, then just hum along and you will get much of the same benefit from allowing your lungs to vibrate with sound!
I totally agree! I am jewish and sometimes instead of OM, choose to chant Shalom...no one seems to notice and it feels great!
Twisting is very bad for bad backs, especially if your problem is bulging disks. One hard twist can push that disk out further.
Hi. This post reminds me that if you have any physical condition, espeically one that requires a doctor's care, you will definitely want to ask your dr. about whether you should do yoga before you start. xo
Every time I decide to take a yoga class -- about three times now -- and pick a beginners class, it's always disappointing and frustrating because it isn't a true beginner's class. Most times the instructor assumes i know the basic posses which i don't and just goes through the class with very little direction and relatively quickly from one pose to another. The last time I took a class I pulled a muscle and finally gave up on getting into yoga. Any advice?
I would check with the studio to make sure the class is truely for beginners. Our beginner course is yoga fundamentals and it assumes no prior experience. We hope that beginners feel welcome in that class. We also offer gentle and restorative yoga that is perfect for beginners.
This is the problem with "level 1" classes that are for people with a pretty wide array of abilities and experience. Make sure if you go to a class, it's specifically for real beginners. I enjoyed the Yoga for Misfits class at Yoga District (which I wrote about in the story), and I think a full half of the class had never done yoga before.
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