Post by auntiejo on Feb 7, 2006 13:05:39 GMT -5
Hey there!
Just thought I would offer some advice to the bunch of you about yoga - I am actually a teacher. And don't worry - I know yoga is not for everyone!
First off, yoga is not about working out - which you did touch on. The aim of yoga is not to have a sexy bum, or flat abs - it's to maintain a healthy body and a still mind, and ultimately achieve enlightenment, nirvana, realization... whatever you want to call it. However, if you are looking for more "active" yoga, try ashtanga. I don't practise it, but I hear that it is very invigorating and a lot of people do it for the workout.
Injury and yoga - yes, yoga can kill you! But, you could sprain your ankle falling off the treadmill too right? However, we all have to identify and accept the limitations of our bodies. I don't know what posture she fell out of - but if you are not strong enough to hold yourself so high in a posture, you should not do it. If the teacher is pushing you to do it, she should not be teaching. At the beginning of each class I always remind people to listen to their bodies, that yoga is not about pain or going as high as you can in a posture - you need to respect your body. That being said, I pulled all the tendons and ligaments in my foot one day just doing downdog... so who knows sometimes.
Yoga does have benefits for back pain - but it will not completely take it away - if there is curviture in your spine, I do highly recommend a chiropractor. However, yoga will strengthen the back muscles and stomach muscles to help the spine stay in alignment - as well as stretch out the muscles which are sore when things are out of place. The yoga scriptures actually say that practising cobra everyday, properly, will completely remedy any misalignment of your spine... however, there are always exceptions.
And yes, we are taught that voice in our training...! If my friends come they laugh a bit!!
namaste,
jo
Just thought I would offer some advice to the bunch of you about yoga - I am actually a teacher. And don't worry - I know yoga is not for everyone!
First off, yoga is not about working out - which you did touch on. The aim of yoga is not to have a sexy bum, or flat abs - it's to maintain a healthy body and a still mind, and ultimately achieve enlightenment, nirvana, realization... whatever you want to call it. However, if you are looking for more "active" yoga, try ashtanga. I don't practise it, but I hear that it is very invigorating and a lot of people do it for the workout.
Injury and yoga - yes, yoga can kill you! But, you could sprain your ankle falling off the treadmill too right? However, we all have to identify and accept the limitations of our bodies. I don't know what posture she fell out of - but if you are not strong enough to hold yourself so high in a posture, you should not do it. If the teacher is pushing you to do it, she should not be teaching. At the beginning of each class I always remind people to listen to their bodies, that yoga is not about pain or going as high as you can in a posture - you need to respect your body. That being said, I pulled all the tendons and ligaments in my foot one day just doing downdog... so who knows sometimes.
Yoga does have benefits for back pain - but it will not completely take it away - if there is curviture in your spine, I do highly recommend a chiropractor. However, yoga will strengthen the back muscles and stomach muscles to help the spine stay in alignment - as well as stretch out the muscles which are sore when things are out of place. The yoga scriptures actually say that practising cobra everyday, properly, will completely remedy any misalignment of your spine... however, there are always exceptions.
And yes, we are taught that voice in our training...! If my friends come they laugh a bit!!
namaste,
jo
