Question 1

Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be flexible to do yoga! Flexibility can be achieved through regular practice but it’s not the main goal (unless of course you want to get your leg behind your head then we can work on that!) www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 2

Am I too fat to do yoga?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be skinny to do yoga! All bodies are different shapes and sizes, the great news is that there are hundreds of different poses and adaptations that can work with your body. We can’t all do the same things which is why I will always give you alternative poses that you feel are achievable. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 3

What if I tried yoga and hated it?

Accepted Answer

There are thousands and thousands of different yoga teachers, each with  their own style and delivery. You can’t like ‘em all!  What’s important is that you feel confident and happy in what you’re doing. If you want to get healthier we can find exercises that work for you…some of them you wouldn’t even know are yoga related! www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 4

What if I got injured doing yoga?

Accepted Answer

This can happen for a number of reasons, not fully warmed up, pushed it too hard, wrong teacher, wrong place, wrong time! I encourage you to work at your pace. Hold back rather than push it too hard. The environment that we set up together is safe and we work in way that promotes inner strength in order to prevent injury. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 5

What is yoga?

Accepted Answer

Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body. It includes breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures also known as asana which is widely practised for health and relaxation. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 6

How can yoga help me?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways yoga can help you, whether you are looking to lose weight, tone up, help recover from an injury, relieve back pain, destress or make more time for yourself. We can work together to create a practice that works for your lifestyle and schedule.  www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 7

What is the difference between yoga and pilates?

Accepted Answer

One of the main differences between Yoga and Pilates is that Yoga can be used for improving the flexibility of the body and it will also gradually increase the flexibility of your joints. Whereas Pilates focuses on trying to relax muscles which are tense and provide strengthening of the numerous muscles of the body. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 8

I do other sports, can yoga fit in with my current fitness programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. And in fact it’s beneficial to add some yoga alongside your other sport activities. Stretching out the muscles, strengthening your core muscles (bum, belly and pelvic floor), adding breath awareness and relaxation, will all help improve your performance, overall fitness and prevent injury. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 9

Will yoga help me loose weight?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like many forms of exercise yoga increases heart rate and blood flow as well as helping you develop muscle tone and improve your metabolism. Even less physical yoga can still help with weight loss. www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 10

Will I become flexible doing yoga?

Accepted Answer

Through regular practice you will see an improvement in the flexibility of your muscles. As well as increased elasticity in the ligaments you will also see an increased flexibility of your mind. Promoting better sleep, healthier life choices and the ability to relax! www.yogawithmariagray.com

Question 11

Can yoga help if I have an injury?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! No matter what injury you have there are exercises we can put together that will help with your recovery. If you have a fear of making it worse be reassured that there is plenty you can do stay at a healthy level of fitness to build up your strength.  www.yogawithmariagray.com