NEW TO YOGA?

Yes! You become more flexible by doing yoga. Saying you’re not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you’re too weak to lift weights.

It makes me sad that the “flexibility myth” keeps people away from trying yoga. Being flexible isn’t necessary for yoga, and it’s also not even the end goal. Come as you are. Take it step by step.

The bendy people you see on Instagram practicing yoga were NOT that bendy before they started practicing. Believe me, your body will adapt and become more flexible as you practice. It won’t happen right away. But it will happen. Along with added strength, balance, coordination, and overall well-being.

Just remember: Yoga isn’t about touching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.

I get this question so often that I made some awesome resources for you!

Take this quiz! It’s quick and super fun.

Then read this blog post.

Namaste is a Sanskrit word used in India as a greeting and a gesture of love and respect.

“The light in me sees the the light in you.” Sometimes also translated as, “The teacher in me bows down to the teacher in you,” or “My soul honors your soul.”

Here in the West, we use Namaste to open or close a yoga class with hands in Anjali Mudra (hands pressed together in front of the heart).

Om (“Aum”) is a vibrational sound that is traditionally used in some yoga classes. It’s meant to help put us in an open and meditative state for our yoga practice. Some people call it “the sound of the universe.”

It can feel strange to chant it at first, but give it a try. The sound vibrations will relax your nervous system and enhance a calm state of mind.

Anything comfortable that you can move around in easily. Yoga is done in bare feet, so no shoes are needed. Leggings, sweatpants, or shorts and a t-shirt will do just fine. Don’t go out and buy a fancy outfit (unless you’re just looking for an excuse to shop). Wear what makes you feel good.

Yoga is not a religion; it’s a mind-body practice and philosophy. Yoga is a combination of physical poses, meditation, breath work, and mindfulness that all lead to self-inquiry.

I like how Gary Kraftsow (founder of Viniyoga) put it: “[Yoga] was always connected to spirituality, and spirituality was never separated from religion. But the spiritual dimensions of yoga were used by many different religions. Although religious-specific faiths taught yoga, the actual yoga teachings were used by many different religions. So I think this distinction between yoga as a spiritual journey that supports religion versus yoga as a religion is very useful.”

Not really. I agree with Rodney Yee when he said “The most important pieces of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind.”

That said, a quality grippy mat makes all the difference. I had a lot of wrist problems when I first started yoga, and my hands would slide all over my cheap mat (I think I got it from T.J.Maxx) which didn’t help at all. It was incredibly frustrating. I eventually invested in a better mat and it completely changed my practice for the better.

I use the Manduka Pro at home, and the Jade Harmony when I’m traveling to a studio. They are both a bit pricy, but the investment was worth it to me. Manduka and Jade are considered two of the top mat brands, but I want to emphasize that there’s no need to buy anything high-end (especially to start out). That said, when you do take the plunge and make a purchase, at least read the reviews online first and invest in a mat that’s grippy/sticky.

As for props, two blocks and a strap will help you enhance your alignment. But they are not necessary. And if you’re taking class at a studio (or you’re taking private classes with me) those props will be provided!

It depends. I personally like to practice 4 or 5 times a week for about an hour, but if you don’t have that kind of time, just fit in 15 or 20 minutes whenever you can and you’ll feel much better. Experiment and see what works for you! (That said, I do believe that regularity is key. If you practice at least 3 times a week, you’ll find that sweet spot where you’ll really start feeling and seeing a big difference.)

Have fun with it! Stay open to learning and absorb what you can. Don’t take yourself (or the yoga) too seriously. Laugh at the challenges your mind and body present, and then do your best to accept and overcome them. And above all, be patient with yourself. It’s all about the journey. They call it a practice for a reason.