Some excuses you may be familiar with:
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!)
I’m not flexible so I can’t do yoga
I might try yoga when I’m fitter
You don’t need to be fit to do yoga! Yoga is a great way to ease yourself into getting fitter. It’s low impact, you can do it at your pace and there are lots of really easy exercises that will increase your fitness levels without having to run on a tread mill in front of a sea of mirrors!
I’m too big to do some of the poses
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.
I did yoga once and I hated it
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!
I got an injury doing yoga once and I am scared to try it again
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.
FAQ'S
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.
What is Yoga?
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. Check out How I can Help You.
How can yoga help me?
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.
What’s the difference between Yoga and Pilates?
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. (Check out Ben’s testimonial)
I do other sports (running/cycling etc), can yoga fit in with my current fitness programme?
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.
Will I lose weight?
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!
Will I become flexible?
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.
I have an injury, can yoga help?