Why do yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice developed in India to bring balance to mind and body. In present day it exists internationally in many forms, from the traditional to fitness power based systems. Online you can find many definitions of this practice, fundamentally yoga provides a methodology to improve health using breathing techniques, poses and sequences to build physical strength, power and control and teachers us to expand our minds by focusing and relaxing with meditation.
Below are a few answers to questions I am often asked.
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Questions
I’m not flexible, can I do yoga?
This question is my favourite and always makes me smile. Your flexibility improves as a product of doing yoga; yoga is not about being flexible. We all start somewhere and we are all different. The tension we hold in our body from mental and physical stress stops us from being relaxed and flexible. Once you learn how to breathe your body will relax and it will come naturally.
I’m active, a regular at the gym, can yoga improve me?
Many sports people practice yoga as well as their discipline to improve focus and maintain their bodies. Unlike some actives yoga actually works with your body not against it. Whether you need to develop your core strength for that skiing holiday or you need to learn how to relax and stretch your body after intensive training yoga will help you. I currently work with martial arts practitioners who do benefit greatly from the practice. Yoga’s physical practice can be as hard or relaxed as you require, you may be able to bench press your body weight but yoga will introduce you to a whole new world of core strength :)
I get embarrassed and don’t feel confident enough to go to gym classes, can yoga help me?
We have all had times when we don’t feel great about ourselves. Yoga does not discriminate and is a fantastic way to burn calories and tone muscle without doing intensive cardio. Private sessions are ideal for you to get yourself back on track and gain the confidence to aid your everyday life.
I’m pregnant, can I practice?
Congratulations, yes poses and sequences have many variations that are safe for your body at this special time. I am trained in Yoga for pregnancy and do teach lucky ladies like you.
I suffer from stress, how can yoga help?
I really discovered what yoga was all about when I had the same problem. When yoga was developed we did not work in stressful office environments, staring at spread sheets while on the phone trying to deal with that looming deadline. Never the less when practising yoga you awaken your body but create a controlled environment for escape, giving you mind time to rest. We can work with many techniques using breathing as our weapon against stress. Only when we are relaxed can we really see things for what they are and take control.
I have asthma, can I do yoga?
More and more people now suffer with this condition especially in London. I had asthma when younger and have found that by using yoga breathing I vastly improved to the point where I don’t use my medication any more. Yoga can improve many aspects of your health; again there are many online articles regarding this. Remember to always consult your doctor if you are not sure about doing a new activity.
What locations do you teach in?
I am based in Sheffield and can easily assess the city centre and surrounding areas. For private sessions we can discuss travel further when you contact me.
Are you the right teacher for me?
It is important to me that the teacher student dynamic works to ensure you get the best experience. If I have not met you in one of my classes I will normally arrange to meet you to discuss your needs before we start.