Relaxing while improving your immune system, how sweet is that?
What is Hatha Yoga according to the Modern American Yogi?
HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga is a scientifically proven health system designed to tone muscles, improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress reaction. In western society Hatha Yoga is primarily part of the fitness culture. It is also part of a spiritual path, not religious, but spiritual. Hatha Yoga is part of a bigger system that includes living morally, eating healthy, prayer and community.
For health reasons, Hatha Yoga cannot be beat. It is low impact, adjustable to any fitness level, builds strength, flexibility, and endurance while calming the nervous system. Modern science has proven it helps with anything from sciatic pain, eczema, high blood pressure to addiction recovery.
As a spiritual path, Hatha Yoga enhances a persons true beliefs in God (by any name), themselves and mankind. It teaches us to slow down, be present and experience life as it happens, not as a memory or part of the future.
The most important aspect from my own point of view is that Hatha Yoga is flexible enough to fit anybody's current needs. Whether those needs are physical, emotional or spiritual. My students will tell you they have been helped with everything from weight loss, low back pain, grieving, sleeping better, improved performance on the ski slopes, friendship, community and being a better parent and spouse.
The most important part of Hatha Yoga for you can only be determined by you. It is up to you to show up for class and experience Hatha Yoga yourself. We continually improve what we have to offer for your practice and safety. So read on about what to expect in class, what to wear and who practices. Remember as you are reading and trying to decide if Hatha Yoga is right for you, there are no excuses. Some people decide that a Hatha Yoga practice is not right for them and that's okay, but no excuses. You are not too fat, too inflexible, too old, too out of shape or too busy. If this is something you want, you will be there.
What is Hatha Yoga according to Yoga Jo's?
At Yoga Jo's we have found that what we practice is most definitely Hatha Yoga, but more importantly community. The City of North Ogden has put their support around us in a warm and loving embrace. The students who show up are everything from teens from Orion Junior High and Weber High School to Professors from Weber State and Teachers from Weber County School District as well as retirees (young and old) and new mom's with their infants to engineers from local businesses to guests from out of town. We have locals that have lived in North Ogden all their lives as well as though just moving here from Florida and California and Virginia and lots of other places. Our students work at most every major employer in town from Snow Basin to Parker to Thiokal to the Standard Examiner. And the two things they all have in common - love of Yoga and love of community.
So when you show up, expect a great workout, a lot of laughs, learn something new, meet someone new or reacquaint yourself with a long lost school buddy. Most importantly though, expect to be greeted not just by staff, but by your fellow students who want you to learn to love yoga as much as they do.
- Bare feet only in the studio - keeps the floors clean and honors the space
- No perfume - many people are allergic to perfume
- No gum - it is very hard to focus on your breath while chomping on gum
- Honor yourself and others by limiting conversation to yoga
- Be on time
- Ask questions pertaining to the class
- Come to class on an empty stomach (should be at least 3 hours since you ate)
- Always listen to your body, if it says you shouldn't be doing something, then don’t.
- Please turn off all cell phones and pagers – this time is for you
- Bring a mat if you own one, (rentals $1), towel and water.
- Wear loose fitting, modest clothing - falling out of your clothes is distracting to the class. That goes for men and women.
The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Practicing Hatha Yoga
WHO - Accountants, Lawyers, Construction Workers, Stay-At-Home Mom's, Secretaries, Fireman, Police Officers, Retirees, College Students, High School Students, School Teachers, City/State/Federal Government Employees, Military, People with bad backs and sore knees, Runners, Bikers, Skiers, Athletes, Non-Athletes, Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Young, Old, Baby-Boomers, Thirty-Something's, Forty-Something's, Sexy Seniors, Young and Fit, Young and not-so-fit, Beginners, Not-so Beginners, People with arthritis, disc problems, hip problems, sciatica . . .
WHAT - Hatha Yoga is part of a system designed to keep the body healthy and strong and supple. It recognizes that we live in this body and should honor and respect our bodies. Today it is still used to keep the body strong and limber while improving the immune system and providing stress relief in a society that lives in a constant fight or flight state. A traditional Hatha program includes breathing exercises, poses, and meditation. This works the mind, body and spirit in a comprehensive total body health system.
WHEN - In the evenings; in the mornings; on the weekends; before work; after work; during lunch; when their backs flair up; when life becomes overwhelming, when life slows down; before bed; when they first wake up - get the picture?
WHERE - At a studio; in their homes; at a gym; at the local community center; at work; on a retreat; at a spa; at a fitness center.
WHY- To get flexible; to build strength; to ease back pain; to get away from the kids; to stay healthy into their 80's & 90's; for community; for peace and quiet; to reduce stress; to prevent killing their Boss, Kid's, Spouse; for the good feelings; their doctor told them to; reduce high-blood pressure; to enhance their religious beliefs; to know themselves better . . .
1)
How many times a week should I go to class?
At
least 2 times a week. 3 - 6 times a week is more ideal. Learning yoga is the
same as learning dance, playing the piano or driving a car. If you don’t
practice on a regular basis it will take a long time to see improvement. People
who come once a week or less, should have a home practice to supplement what
they are learning in the studio.
2)
What do I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing. Preferably without buttons or zippers.
The clothing should be modest enough to prevent exposure (men & women),
yet not so bulky to interfere with range of motion.
3)
Why should I attend a workshop or retreat?
Workshops and retreats are a wonderful way to improve your practice.
In a workshop you receive concentrated instruction on the topic of the workshop.
And you are sharing a transformational experience with other like minded individuals.
At retreats you immerse yourself in yoga, healthy eating, and meditation. Retreats
are a way to nourish your practice and yourself in ways you can’t with
just a class or even a vacation. In addition, if you are taking a workshop with
a different teacher, you may gain insight into areas you have been struggling
with or may not even been aware of before.
4)
What’s the difference between a video, a yoga class at the gym and going
to a “Yoga” studio?
A video provides an excellent way to practice Hatha Yoga at
home or while traveling. I use them regularly to supplement my practice and
keep my practice interesting. It also gives you the opportunity to try several
styles of Hatha Yoga without traveling around the country to find a specific
style or teacher.
A lot of people are introduced to Hatha Yoga in a gym environment. The classes are considered another form of strength and aerobic exercise. The primary difference you will find is the size of the class and the environment. Most gym classes will have 20-30 or more people in them, overhead lights are on and the room tends to be cold. For anyone with experience, a gym class works well, for beginners, I recommend attending a smaller class with more one-on-one attention to help you understand the poses better and to build confidence.
In a yoga studio, most teachers have spent years practicing on their own and taking classes, workshops and extensive (200 hour or more) teacher training courses. Most studios are there to teach you more than the physical aspect of yoga. Class will include the spiritual and meditative side of yoga. In addition, more time is spent on alignment, safety and the other benefits of yoga besides a good workout.
5)
I have high blood pressure, arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, etc. –
is yoga ok?
Absolutely. Hatha Yoga has been around for several thousands
of years as a way to heal the body and the mind. New medical studies have
proven people can improve or alleviate any number of illnesses or injuries from
depression to psoriasis. It is considered part of the Ayurvedic health
system.
Always talk to your teacher about any concerns or health issues you have. Always
talk to your doctor before changing any medications or beginning practice.
6)
I’m pregnant – can I practice yoga?
Within certain restrictions. Never practice during your first
trimester, even though many books will tell you it's ok if you are already practicing,
but my own opinion, the baby is a higher priority than a few months of yoga
practice. Your body is going through a lot of changes at this time and you are
safer waiting for your body to adjust. Refrain from twists and anything that
has to do with lying on your belly or putting pressure on the belly. Always
let your teacher know you are pregnant if it is not yet obvious. You do not
need to attend pre-natal classes to get the benefits.
7) What are some of the benefits of yoga
- Improved strength, endurance and flexibility
- Weight loss - at first you will notice a change in how your clothes fit
- Sleeping better at night
- More energy
- Less reaction to stress
- Relieves depression
- My personal favorite – people around you become nicer and easier to get along with
8)
I’m interested in classes, but they seem so expensive
At first glance, they do appear more expensive. You are
paying for more than someone to lead you through the poses. You receive
personalized attention, adjustments and smaller class sizes. The classes
in a studio are more like semi-private lessons than a class. Teachers
will demonstrate a pose, but never do their own practice with you. A teacher
is available either here at the studio, by email or phone to answer your questions
and concerns about Yoga or if you just need someone to listen.
9)
Do men practice yoga?
Yes. The idea that yoga is for women only is a recent one. When
you begin to learn more about yoga, you will find the majority of the teachers
from India are men. Recently there has been an upsurge of men in America practicing.
Yoga has made it’s way into professional sports - Baseball, Football,
Basketball, and Tennis to name a few. Hollywood has long touted the benefits
of regular practice. Sting has been practicing for over 20 years. So most definitely
– men practice yoga.
10)
What religion is Yoga?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a spiritual practice.
Your religious preferences are your own and yoga will only enhance your belief
system.
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