Yoga Schmoga — What's the Fuss?
How and Why to Begin Yoga Practice
August 2004



How Yoga Changed My Life
In the past, I would say I was a “Type Triple-A” — I was that high-strung. In the Fall of 1997 I moved from Portland, OR to Westchester County, NY where I was BUSY! New job, long hours, no social life to speak of. Luckily I was exercising regularly and really into fitness, cardio, strength. The harder the workout, the more I liked it. Meanwhile I was strung tighter than a harpsichord, visiting the chiropractor 2-3 times a week to alleviate discomfort.

Despite knowing it would be good for me I merely wondered about yoga, and successfully avoided it for about 3 years. One day I decided to try a free class at my gym. I liked it, though I left during the final 10 minutes of relaxation which was clearly a waste of time, (lay on the floor without moving — um, why?). Being that I was sore the next day, it qualified as a workout and I was hooked.

Weekly, I attended class and lo and behold, I could touch my toes! Slowly my back uncoiled, my posture improved, my lung capacity increased and WHAT?! — stillness in my mind? Eventually I could stay in class for the final 10 minutes of relaxation — a fleeting moment here and there and I actually experienced the absence of thought!

Seven years later, my life is entirely different and I owe much of it to yoga (and thanks to George Stein who connected me to the gym!).

What Yoga Does
As mentioned, the benefits are innumerable but here are a few.
Yoga:
— Increases the flow of oxygen to the body giving you a new hoo-yaa to your day.
— Lengthens and strengthens muscles throughout your body, especially along your spine assisting with posture and alleviating multiple types of back pain. The longer muscles also give the body a leaner look.
— Increases lung capacity — who couldn’t use more air? Great for athletes in training or ex-smokers wanting to heal their lungs!
— Quiets the mind — it is quite difficult to think about the laundry or bills when you are focused on “drop the shoulders, keep your knee over your ankle, roll the hips open, breathe big into your belly…” no room for stray thoughts.
— Re-balances stiff, tight or rickety body parts. Yoga is incredible at re-balancing the body — realigning the spine, joints and muscles that they work better together. (Did you know that much wrist pain originates along the top of your shoulders — give it a big squeeze and you’ll see what I mean!)

Could You Benefit?
Here are some ways you can check and see if you could benefit from yoga.
1. Is your mind always “on”, running from one idea or to-do list to the next?
2. When you sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor, bring your right leg up and cross the ankle on top of the left knee. Sit up straight and if possible lean forward keeping your spine straight. Feel that in your hip/tush? Yoga has a plethora of ways to open the hips to relieve that.
3. When you roll out of bed in the morning do you hear a cacophony of snap, crackle and pop from your joints?
4. Are you athletic with any version of running involved? How about those hamstrings?! (I know you know what I am talking about!!)
5. Are you seeking a deeper connection with yourself and aren’t quick sure how to do it? (Eventually, with regular practice, this part is inevitable. Originally yoga came about as a spiritual practice, so it is a fabulous addition regardless of whether you seek it — it just happens.

Myths About Yoga
1. You have to be flexible. Um no. The idea is to begin where you are and improve from your starting point — wherever that is.
2. Yoga is for women. Oddly, this 5,000 year old practice was initially for men only. Women’s participation is a more “recent” addition.
3. I don’t like yoga because I didn’t like the class I went to. Again over 15 styles, thousands of teachers who are all a little different. There is undoubtedly a style for you. Try out different classes — many studios or teachers will allow you a “free” class to try it out. Patience pays — keep trying till you find one you like (click here for some details on styles of yoga http://www.eomega.org/omega/knowledge/yogastyles/ )
4. You must do it every day to benefit. Once a week, once a month, 10 minutes 3-times a week-whatever! Truth is, whenever you do it, you benefit. However long you do it, you benefit. Let go of the rules and just begin.
5. Yoga is a religion — Though it evokes a sense of spirit and peace, whether Catholic, Methodist, Jewish, Hindu — you can practice yoga and maintain your own belief. It is universal.
6. I have to be thin to do yoga. Nonsense — there are plenty of classes (see below) for you to choose from and many locations offer classes for fuller figured folks! Check it out!

Tips for Choosing the Right Class
1. Find one that fits your schedule and skill level. (If you are a beginner, be a beginner!) Classes can range from 30-120 minutes.
2. For beginners, you might enjoy Hatha, Restorative or Anusara yoga.
3. For more intense physical style — try Ashtanga, Bikrim or Jivamukti yoga.
4. For moving energy and breath, try Kundalini.
5. Those recovering from or working with injuries might check out Kripalu or Iyengar yoga (heavy emphasis on alignment)

NOTE:
DO ask questions in class when you have them.
DO disclose any previous or current injury. This is invaluable to the teacher to properly inform you of poses (asanas) that may not be appropriate or need modification.
DO wear clothing that fits (baggy shirts end up over-head)
DO attend a few live classes to compliment a home video practice, to prevent injury and ensure proper alignment.
DO check with your doctor first if you have pre-existing conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, connective tissue injuries, etc.).

Although yoga is not for 100% of you, I’d wager that most of you would benefit from a version of it, if not simply to get those muscles moving in new ways!

Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
If you prefer a private class to get started, call me!

Namaste

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