Questions & Answers

What is yoga?

Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit language and means union or merger "union with the Self". The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between mind, body, spirit, heart, and attain self-enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation in order to establish a healthy, lively and balanced approach to life.

Though the exact origins of yoga are unknown, yoga is considered to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. Yoga, thus symbolizes balance in every area of life. In the earlier times, the rationale of the yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. Today, most yoga practices in the west focus on the physical aspects of yoga, though in the modern context, yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and a healthy mind.

How does yoga improve physical fitness?

Physical wellbeing is the harmonious orchestra of different organs and body parts working together.
Yoga exercises include stretching, dynamic (aerobic) flow of postures, postures to massage the internal organs and to regulate the flow of blood.
Yoga postures give special focus to the spine, which houses the central nervous system, thus carrying the benefits to the level of the mind.
Yoga also reduces the "disharmony" in the form of stress and improper posture in the body.

Is yoga for me? (I am too stiff and out of shape).

No one is too stiff or out of shape to do yoga. Being in harmony with oneself is not limited only to people who are in good shape! With regular practice of yoga, you will experience wellbeing at the level of the body and mind, and develop a positive body consciousness.

What are the benefits of yoga?

1) Stress Relief- yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body through the use of breathing techniques.
2) Pain Relief- yoga can ease pain- both physical and emotional
3) Better Breathing- yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths to improve lung function and increase the amount of oxygen available to the body.
4) Flexibility- yoga helps improve flexibility and mobility and increases range of movement. Gradually one begins to use the correct muscles and ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen, increase elasticity to make poses (asanas) more possible. Yoga helps improve body alignment resulting in better posture and help relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems.
5) Increase Strength- yoga postures use every muscle in the body
6) Weight management- Yoga makes you feel in harmony with yourself, regardless of your weight. It can help you slim down by offering dynamic exercises that will help you burn calories and regulate the hormones secreted in the body, including those that control the weight of the body.
7) Improved circulation- oxygenated blood moves more efficiently as a result of various postures.
8) Cardiovascular conditioning- can lower resting heart rate, increase endurance and improve oxygen uptake during exercise. The relaxation and meditation aspects are ideal for tackling high blood pressure.
9) Focus on the present- yoga helps one focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind-body health, opening the way to improved concentration, coordination, reaction time and memory.
10) Inner peace- the meditative aspects of yoga help many to reach a deeper, more spiritual and satisfying place in their lives.

How many types of yoga are there?

Many. Each type of yoga has something unique to offer. Sample the different class styles to experience and determine which is best for you. See tab labelled "Our Yoga Styles" for the styles offered at maa yoga.

How old is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice with a written history going back thousands of years and had a spiritual focus. In relative terms, the "asana" or physical postures of yoga have been introduced recently. Yoga has been nurtured as an active endeavor, and not a fossilized science.

Is yoga a religion?

No, yoga is not a religion. People of all faiths have enjoyed doing yoga. In fact, many people find that their yoga practice deepens their connection to their chosen religion by encouraging self-awareness and in everyday life.

How often should I practice yoga?

One gets the benefits of yoga from any amount of time or frequency devoted to the practice. We suggest to beginning with two or three 75 minutes classes per week and gradually building up the duration per day and per week. Your body may change a lot the first year of yoga and you need to listen and adapt and adjust your practice to work with your body. Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non-violence, should be adhered to when engaging in the practice of postural yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom. If something feels wrong, do not do it, and ask the teacher.