Question 1

What is asana?

Accepted Answer

Nowadays, asana refers to the poses we do in a yoga class.

In Sanskrit, asana means 'seat,' as in the sitting position one takes when meditation. One line in the ancient yoga text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, states 'strhira sukham asanam.' This roughly translates to 'the seat or pose should be both stable and comfortable.'  We strive to strike this balance in our yoga practice. Making the seat or foundation of our poses stable and comfortable.

Question 2

What would I be doing in a typical yoga class?

Accepted Answer

Classes usually consist of meditation, pranayama (breathwork), and asana (physical poses). Depending on the class type or style of yoga, you’ll be asked to move through poses based on the rhythm of your breath or to hold static poses for a length of time…or a combination of the two! Classes can focus on all over strength or stretching, balance, or prepping the students’ bodies for a specific or “peak pose''.

Question 3

Why is it better to attend a live class (either in-person or online) with a teacher rather practicing from a recording?

Accepted Answer

When starting out, having knowledgeable teachers guide you through your first classes is invaluable. Your teachers will familiarize you with the practice and poses along with checking your alignment to be sure you are practicing safely. Your teachers can advise you to meet your edges, but not push too far and risk injury. Your Instructor can also make helpful suggestions such as the use of props or alternate poses when a modification is needed. As you become more seasoned, your teachers can challenge you to try new things and learn more about yourself through the practice. You will be provided with a strong foundation you can use in your practice both on and off the mat.

Question 4

What are the different types of yoga?

Accepted Answer

The physical practice of yoga can take many forms. Yin or restorative yoga are slow-moving classes that allow time for a pose to settle in the body with and without props. In these classes, space is allowed for introspection, meditation, and just being. Vinyasa or “flow” classes get the body moving! Poses are linked together into seamless movement that works to improve balance, stability, and flexibility. In either case, it is important to make each pose fit the practitioner and not the other way around. The asana (physical pose) is as individual as the person making it. 
 
These fairly general yoga practice types can be broken down even further into specific styles of yoga. Some styles focus specifically on alignment through the use of a set sequence of poses or the use of props, while others incorporate chanting or even heated rooms. Some yoga studios offer many styles and types of yoga to their clients and it is a good way to find the type that works best for you.

Question 5

What is yoga therapy?

Accepted Answer

The International Association of Yoga Therapists states, “Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes, personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.”
 
Like a general yoga practice, yoga therapy looks to treat the whole person. However in yoga therapy, the clients’ physical experience(s), emotional response(s), and mental attitude(s) are taken into account and yoga instruction is tailored to address their specific needs. This practice can include yoga postures, focused breathing, meditation, and physical movement to empower the client to reach appropriate goals, overcome challenges, and most of all take an active role in their care

Question 6

What will I be doing in a yoga therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Working with a yoga therapist starts with an intake meeting. In this meeting, your therapist will learn what brought you to yoga therapy, about your concerns, and what you are hoping to get out of the sessions. The therapist may ask you to do a few movement evaluations to set a baseline and build a practice from all the information they have gathered.

From there, sessions will focus on finding ways to address your concern. Practices might consist of movement, breathwork, meditation or a combination of the three. Your therapist might give you a short at-home practice to do daily until the next session, at which time your progress will be assessed and the practice will evolve from there.

Question 7

Yoga Classes Vs. Yoga Therapy…isn’t all yoga a type of therapy? What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Great question. Yoga classes (offered in studios, gyms or privately) can be beneficial for everyone. While there are many different types of yoga practices, the main goal is to align the mind, body, and spirit. Group classes are geared more toward the general well-being of everyone rather than being focused on any specific individual. General modifications may be suggested throughout a class for anyone who might benefit or need accommodation.
 
On the other hand, yoga therapy utilizes yogic methodologies to treat a particular person or small group physically, emotionally, and/or mentally. As a holistic approach to healing, yoga therapy can help alleviate or manage a person's experience of discomfort due to injury, disease, trauma, illness, etc. It is both an integrative medicine, working in alignment with traditional medicine, and a stand alone therapy.

Question 8

I'm not very flexible. Can I do yoga?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY! Absolutely everyone can do yoga!

Yoga as a practice isn't just about twisting our bodies into pretzel shapes! It's about connection. In our practice, we move our breath and our bodies while focusing our minds on the present moment.  Yes, the practice can be challenging when you first start out but you'll soon become familiar with the poses and rhythm of a class. It's worth taking the first step.

Ruth Ricks Yoga

Yoga FAQs