I've never been especially strong or flexible. I've always been drawn to yoga because I want a more well-rounded, full-body strength and balance. However, I've always been a little intimidated by it, feeling like I'm not strong/flexible enough to even start. So, my question is Is everyone capable of learning yoga to the point where they can do advanced poses, or are some people just not cut out for it? Are there any specific things I can do to strengthen and prepare for my first yoga class?
anyone can do it, but if you have physical ailments certain positions should be adapted or avoided. you may not be able to bend as well as people who practice yoga frequently, but with time you will find yourself with more flexibility than when you started. as for some of the more complex poses, I wouldn't jump into those right away, at least not without some proper instruction because there IS potential room for injury. I take it you are going to class soon (which is GREAT!), I'm sure you will get a good feel for it there. Yoga combines body movements and mental focus/clarity. Breathing out when you are collapsing your body and breathing in when you are expanding your body. Yoga is good for most everyone; listen to and trust your body!
I'm actually not planning to take a class just now because I worry I'm not physically fit enough for even a beginner class. I want something to do at home to get me ready
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoaH7u0fKCE&feature=bf_next&list=FL7_-ineFaGqA&index=39 simple enough.. you should try and remember what she does, so you not kinking you neck watching it while trying to do it.
I am far from an experienced practicer, but I do not think fitness even comes into it. It's all flexibility, and for some positions you might need a bit of strength. Don't worry about not being fit enough, go to a gym and ask an instructor, or even ask your doctor, if you are in really bad health.
Absolutely anyone can do yoga. I've never attended a class and I'm a huge proponent of teaching it to yourself because doing it alone allows you to look inward and reach a state of calm you may not find in a class. Yoga is all about training your muscles to relax. Your level of flexibility doesn't even matter because its a very gentle exercise. You should never stretch further than what feels comfortable; or rather, stretch right past the point of what feels comfortable but not so far that it hurts or strains your muscles. Pick some basic poses to start off with and do sets of 3 with each, holding each one for 20-30 seconds. Within a week you'll start to see an improvement in your flexibility as your mind learns to allow your muscles to relax.
So far I'm loving it. I feel stronger already. The flexibility is a little slower, but it's only been a week. I just do 15-30 min before I go to the gym. It feels SO GOOD. I don't know what I was worried about. A few more weeks of this and I'll be ready for a class.
Anyone can do yoga. Some take more time than others to be able to do some positions, but with the right methods and training any person can do yoga.
Certainly anyone can do yoga, BUT for some it is best to not participate in classes or do particular yoga so much so that i wouldnt even call it "yoga". For example, I used to work alot doing hard labor and when I used to go to yoga certain poses (being the twisting ones) wreaked havoc on my back. i took it lighter and it still hurt after class. then I found out that not only was it the twisting but it was the bending over trying to stretch. So take out bending over in yoga and you basically have very little yoga poses left. Also i found that doing quick movements hurt my back. And any stretches that incorperated my legs hurt my knees. And I was guided by a 1,000 hr instructor (she im sure has well over 3,000 hrs) who had 25 yrs experience! ..so im guessing i was doing the poses correctly. So it depends on what you can and cant do. when I cant bend over i do other things, when my knees hurt i get on my back. Most of my yoga practice in classes has been the whole class on my back! Also I run marathons and all I know is that for 3 weeks after a marathon I CANNOT do yoga classes or any traditional poses. My body feels great but as soon as I do poses everything hurts, knees, back etc. Probably because my body is so tight.
any time you want something and recognize it you should "let go" in a sense, think about it and act upon it but dont get hyped up for your want cause it may be completely different than you had intended. Any physical exercise is good unless you have injuries. yoga made me realize that all these aches and pains I have in my body from yoga stem from my attitudes towards life, when I get upset, aggravated, stressed, my back killlllls me, when im not paying attention my knees hurt....start the journey but it may hurt. ...unless your a girl, most women are MUCH MUCH MUCH more flexible then men are.
This is the best book for doing yoga by yourself. It has great pictures, and clearly shows how to jump into position. It also has as detailed or novice practices including series for overweight, pregnant, and other specific conditions. http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Iyengar-Way-Silva-Mehta/dp/0679722874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319044823&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Yoga: The Iyengar Way (9780679722878): Silva Mehta, Mira Mehta, Shyam Mehta: Books
Seems to me we can all do anything, although it is the degree of such that is in question Meditative relaxation is meThinks, always a good thing
Anyone can do yoga. I'm overweight too, and 43 lbs heavier I did yoga fine. Now I'm even better able to bend the way I want to.
Anyone can do yoga. If you live in the united states like I do, keep in mind that most people here are severely out of shape and yoga studios are commercial businesses trying to attract as many customers as possible. Beginners classes should be very manageable, and if you struggle with injuries or weight you may even be able to find classes that cater to that specifically (not that that's necessary, a good instructor can teach yoga to a student of any ability level). One of the most important things to keep in mind is to keep your ego out of the yoga studio. If a movement makes you uncomfortable, don't do it, or ask the instructor how you can modify it. In most positions, it's not about trying to go as far as you can or go as far as your instructor or the person next to you. It's about finding your comfort zone, moving slightly past it, and making that your new comfort zone. Don't be intimidated. Make the yoga class and the movement your own. You don't have to impress anyone. Listen to your body and it will tell you what it needs.
