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What is Yoga?
Are there different styles of yoga?
Why practice yoga?
Who can practice yoga?
How does yoga work?
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About Yoga Main Page

ABOUT YOGA > Who can practice yoga?

Some people believe they need to be flexible and strong to take yoga, which can produce some hesitation in trying a class. On the contrary, yoga provides the ability to modify the poses to each individual body for support in gaining flexibility and strength. So, if you haven't exercised in a while and feel stiff or weak, yoga can help you to regain your flexibility and strength.

Many yoga advertisements show young, thin, bendy people practicing poses that can be unattainable for the average person. It's just marketing. They can get their foot behind their head so they must know what they are doing, right? Not necessarily. It is not the goal of yoga to get your foot behind your head. It's to be healthy in body and mind. If along the way, you gain enough flexibility to get your foot behind your head ~ kudos! It is fun to see what you are able to physically do, and you may surprise yourself along the way. However, the benefits of yoga are not limited to the thin and bendy.

So, is there enough time in the day to practice yoga? Yes. Most people take a class once a week to learn how to practice safely and do some at home as it fits into their schedule. It is recommended to do a little something each day for the most benefit. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing daily can have positive impact on setting the tone for the day!

Some people have concerns about practicing yoga because they have health issues. Rightly so, no one wants to do anything to feel worse when they are ailing. However, many people with Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease experience improvement and relief because of their yoga practice. Studies have shown yoga helps to relieve the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression too. If you have concerns about taking yoga, talk with your primary health practitioner ~ a good idea when starting a new exercise routine anyway. We are available to answer any health questions you have, as well.

Everyone can practice yoga in some form and benefit from it. Most of the students we see are in their 40s, 50s and 60s ~ a few a bit younger, a few a bit older ~ all shapes and sizes, all with different abilities and needs, and all grateful for an accessible fitness routine.

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