Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that encompasses physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and a philosophy for living. It has been practiced for thousands of years and has been found to have a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
In its physical form, yoga involves a series of postures, called asanas, which are performed with awareness of the breath and the body. The practice of yoga helps to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and posture, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Beyond its physical benefits, yoga also has a spiritual aspect that aims to cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and inner peace. The practice of yoga encourages individuals to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, leading to a greater sense of calm and mental clarity.
Today, yoga is a popular form of exercise and self-improvement, practiced by millions of people around the world. There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own unique focus and approach, making it accessible for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
“Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It’s a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance all while relaxing the mind and body. If you want to feel more relaxed after a long day at work or just need some time away from it all, yoga can be the perfect solution!”
Jillian is a trauma-informed 500 E-RYT yoga teacher that has been trained in several different styles of yoga so she can help guide you through each pose with ease and custom tailor each class to help you reach your goals. Private sessions can be offered at the Sanctuary Healing Arts Studio in SW Austin, in the comfort of your living room or at an outdoor space near you, so you don’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious in a public class. Whether you are new to yoga or you have experience, with decades of study Jillian can help you take your practice to the next level.
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Here are some tips to help you stay safe while practicing yoga:
Listen to your body: Pay attention to any sensations or discomfort you feel during yoga poses and adjust your movements accordingly. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop the pose and rest.
Warm up: Before starting any yoga practice, be sure to warm up your muscles with a few gentle stretches. This will help prevent injury and improve your performance.
Use props: Yoga props, such as blocks, straps, and blankets, can help you safely modify poses and support your body as you practice.
Practice with proper alignment: Make sure to align your body correctly during each pose, as proper alignment will help you avoid injury and get the most benefits from your practice.
Focus on your breath: Your breath is an important aspect of yoga, and it's important to breathe deeply and steadily during each pose.
Don't push yourself too hard: It's important to work within your limits and not push yourself too far, too fast. Progress gradually and listen to your body.
Seek guidance: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, or are new to yoga, it's a good idea to seek guidance from a qualified yoga teacher who can help you practice safely and effectively.
Don’t eat or drink too much before practice. Not only can it impact your digestive and respiratory capacity and comfort, it can always quite literally weigh you down, especially in inversions.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable yoga practice. If you experience any pain or discomfort during your practice, stop and consult with a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am not flexible, can I still practice yoga?
YES! This is especially for you if you are wanting to increase your flexibility. All poses will be offered with modifications so that we will meet your body where it is at today. Over time and regular practice yoga can greatly increase your flexibility, strength, and mental focus as well as your overall sense of inner peace and well being.
What Type of Yoga is Best for me?
The best type of yoga for you will depend on your personal goals, physical abilities, and interests. Here are a few popular styles of yoga to consider:
Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is a slow-paced style that is ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentle and relaxing practice.
Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a more dynamic style that focuses on flowing movements synchronized with the breath. It's a good choice for those looking for a workout and a cardiovascular challenge.
Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga places a strong emphasis on proper alignment and the use of props, making it a great choice for those with injuries or limitations.
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding style that follows a set sequence of postures and is ideal for those looking for a more challenging practice.
Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is a hot yoga style performed in a heated room, making it a good choice for those looking for a sweat-inducing workout.
Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga is a gentle and relaxing style that uses props to support the body in passive poses, promoting deep relaxation and stress relief.
Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yoga is known for its fast-paced, dynamic movements, powerful breathwork, and chanting of mantras. It's also known for its use of specific postures, called "kriyas," and hand gestures, called "mudras," that are designed to stimulate the kundalini energy and activate the chakras (energy centers) in the body.
Yin Yoga: Yin Yoga is a type of yoga that emphasizes stillness and relaxation in grounded deeply opening poses. Unlike more active styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, which focus on flowing movements and strength building, Yin Yoga is practiced in long-held, passive poses that target the connective tissues and deep muscles in the body.
What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable that you can move in without needing to frequently adjust it which can be an unnecessary distraction from the practice. It is helpful for alignment purposes that I can see your knees so something that is fitted around the knee or falls above the knee would be optimal. Anything too short like running shorts can lead to self consciousness during certain poses.
How often should I practice yoga?
The frequency with which you practice yoga will depend on several factors, including your personal goals, physical abilities, and schedule. Generally speaking, practicing yoga two to three times per week is a good starting point for most people. This frequency allows you to establish a consistent practice and see improvement in your physical strength and flexibility over time.
If you have more specific goals in mind, such as rehabilitation from an injury, or are preparing for a specific event, you may need to practice more often. In these cases, it's best to consult with a qualified yoga teacher who can help you create a practice that meets your specific needs.
It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you're feeling fatigued or experiencing pain, it's a good idea to take a break or reduce the frequency of your practice. With regular practice, you'll get a better sense of what works for you and how often you should practice yoga to achieve your goals.
Yoga is boring to me but I keep hearing about its many benefits - Is there a practice for me that I can tolerate?
First, know your goals! Why do you feel like you want to/need to practice yoga? There are so many styles of yoga! To name a few, Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Bikram, Forrest, Bhakti yoga…Have you tried them all? Finding the right style for your constitution is key, and not identifying as one who does not like yoga until you have exhausted all of your choices! They are all very different and offer so much value in their own unique way. Some people find it helpful to vary their styles of practice so that they are getting the most wide variety of benefits possible. Others like to commit to one style so that they can deepen their connection to the style and witness the evolution of their body/mind/spirit through practicing commitment to that type of practice. Another key point here is that it helps a lot to find a teacher that you resonate with and that inspires you. Someone that you enjoy being around and receiving guidance from. Being in a class with a teacher whose energy doesn’t sit well with you or that perhaps even annoys you, while on one hand can be an amazing advanced experience of witnessing your own ego, can also turn you off to yoga and all that yoga offers.
