FAQ
1) What is Yoga?
Answer: The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning to yoke or bind, and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, whereas a female practitioner is called a yogini.
2) What does Om mean?
Answer: Om is a mantra which is chanted at the start and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the hymn of the universe and it has a soothing effect on the person. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om.
3) What are the benefits of doing yoga?
Answer: The practice of yoga includes a holistic approach to health. It includes practices which benefit the mind, body and soul. The benefits tend to be very subtle in the initial days, however, they become more visible over a period of time as the practice of yoga becomes a way of life.
4) Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga?
Answer: The answer to this question is twofold. The decision to converting into vegetarianism before joining yoga is the sole decision of the person who would be practising yoga as it is not a hard and fast rule that one has to be a vegetarian before he/she can begin to learn or practice yoga. However, one of the basic principles of yoga is ‘Ahimsa’, which in literal terms means not harming oneself or others. It is best to first take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will affect those with whom you live.
5) Can the practice of yoga help in alleviating incurable diseases?
Answer: Yoga may be a branch of science which is more than 5000 years old, but it can not act as a substitute to medicine. Although it does offer ways for relieving and managing stress. Many people have benefited from the continuous practice of yoga.
6) What asanas are included in a complete yoga workout?
Answer: A complete workout would consist of asanas which would balance out the imbalances in the system. It is considered to be very important that the workout is finished with Savasana (corpse pose), as the body needs time and rest to embrace the effects of asanas.
7) What is the minimum age to start yoga?
Answer: The minimum age requirement is 15 years.
8) Do you still need to workout in a gym if you’re practicing yoga?
Answer: It depends on your personal physical goals. A yoga session is comparable to a gym workout as it incorporates a full range of movement in the body, builds strength and develops flexibility. However, one can still combine a yoga workout after a gym session as yoga would help the muscles to relieve the stress from typical gym workouts and help create better muscle tone.
9) I’m not flexible—Can I still do yoga?
Answer: Who said that you need to be flexible to do yoga? Rome wasn’t built in a day and everyone starts from somewhere. Get rid of that misconception and come join us for a yoga session! You can witness first hand how the practice makes you more flexible instead.
10) Why are you supposed to refrain from eating 2–3 hours before a class?
Answer: In a yoga practice, one has to perform a few asanas (postures) in which the body is twisted and stretched. You may feel uncomfortable and experience discomfort when food isn’t properly digested, affecting the yoga practice. However, an empty stomach may also result in a weakened physical performance. Therefore, we recommend either have a glass of juice shortly before the practice, or having a light meal 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to the class.