Frequently Asked Questions about Yoga
I’m not very flexible - can I still do yoga?
Yes. You do not need to be flexible to do yoga. Many people experience stiffness and tightness in their muscles. Yoga can help to bring a release of tension and a lengthening of muscles over time. I teach in a way that allows all bodies to begin where there is comfort and work towards greater relaxation and ease. Strength and flexibility will follow.
I’ve got insomnia - can yoga help me sleep?
Yes. Practise yoga if you suffer from insomnia. By tuning into sensations in the body you reduce mental tension. By moving slowly and focussing on simple breathing your body will begin to unwind. You will feel more relaxed, which will help you to fall asleep.
I’m really stressed - can yoga help?
Again, yes. Yoga is a tried and tested approach to stress relief. Come to a yoga session and begin to rest and get in touch with your body. Yoga is a great tool to relieve stress. By practising slowly you are allowing yourself time to feel and be with yourself without any need to strive or attain a goal. Tuning into sensations instead of thoughts helps to ease mental tension. I teach you how to notice where you are holding unnecessary tension and how to let it go and relax.
I suffer from backache and have back problems - can I still do yoga?
Yes, yoga can help to bring relief from backache. By moving carefully you will learn to spot unhelpful habits and patterns of movement that may be causing your back pain. Yoga helps bring balance and tone to weak muscles and helps to integrate movement throughout the body. Seek the advice of your GP or back therapist if you are not sure.
Can I do yoga with a hip replacement?
I have taught many students who have had hip replacements - both before and after their operations. Students learn to move their new joint careful and develop confidence, strength and stamina around the leg and pelvis.
I have low energy - will yoga help?
Yoga is beneficial to those suffering from low energy. I teach a slow, careful approach to yoga. There is not a sequence that you need to keep up with. Rest periods are encouraged so that you are tuning into your own abilities and gently coaxing yourself to move. Significant amounts of session time is spent lying on the ground.
Am I too old to begin yoga?
You are never too old! Yoga is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy moving their body and developing a friendly relationship towards their body. You will develop a sensitivity and curiosity towards your body and learn how to move in a way that feels natural and at ease. Tiny movements are encouraged and everyone moves at their own pace and ability. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a gentle, tailored and modified approach to how we each move. Much of the session is practised lying on the ground.
I am rehabilitating from an injury - is it safe to do yoga?
I am happy to work with your physiotherapist, osteopath, OT or GP to make sure that the sessions are completely safe for you to practise, and to tailor specific movements to your needs. I have 20+ years' experience of teaching yoga. You may want to have one-to-one sessions to give you plenty of time to ask questions and to try out what feels right for you.
I’m on medication - is it safe to practise yoga?
Many people take medication these days and most are completely fine to practise yoga whilst taking prescription medication. Please do check with your GP to be completely safe.
Will I lose weight if I do yoga?
Yoga can help you lose weight if you combine it with a healthy eating plan. My approach to yoga is slow and considered - you are unlikely to work up a sweat or feel your heart racing. You will start to relate to your body in a friendly and accepting way and you will notice tone in slack muscles and release in over-tight muscles. Yoga helps relieve stress which may help with your weight loss plan. So if you are looking for exercise to help you lose weight, this may help when coupled with an aerobic workout such as uphill walking, jogging or swimming.
I’m pregnant - is this class suitable for me?
You are welcome to join my classes if you are pregnant and have practised yoga before. If you are new to yoga, I suggest you seek out a teacher who specialises in pregnancy yoga.
I like to smell good - is it ok to wear perfume during a yoga session?
You can if you feel the need, but it is preferable to not wear fragrance when you attend a session. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and your favourite fragrance could be a trigger for someone else. If you can bear to be bare and natural, go fo it!
Common fears in yoga sessions:
Falling asleep in class: lucky you to be so relaxed that you drift off! Don’t worry about it. If you’re in a Zoom session, I can quietly release you from the session at the end without you needing to get up (if you like). In a studio, I will gently and discreetly wake you. Nobody minds if someone falls asleep. It happens a lot!
Breaking wind during a class: it’s not a problem! Everyone farts and during yoga you are moving your guts around in ways that may dispel wind. In yoga we are learning to be tolerant and to be accepting - of our own body and of others - so we will be able to cope with farts if they happen. On Zoom nobody will notice!
Crying: yes, bursting into tears does happen and it's fine. When we are still, emotions can bubble up and get released. Very good! You will be in safe hands in my small group sessions. Yoga is healing by allowing our emotional hurts to surface in a safe and accepting space. I have had the privilege to sit and witness countless students release their tears and continue onward with their healing journey.
Yes. You do not need to be flexible to do yoga. Many people experience stiffness and tightness in their muscles. Yoga can help to bring a release of tension and a lengthening of muscles over time. I teach in a way that allows all bodies to begin where there is comfort and work towards greater relaxation and ease. Strength and flexibility will follow.
I’ve got insomnia - can yoga help me sleep?
Yes. Practise yoga if you suffer from insomnia. By tuning into sensations in the body you reduce mental tension. By moving slowly and focussing on simple breathing your body will begin to unwind. You will feel more relaxed, which will help you to fall asleep.
I’m really stressed - can yoga help?
Again, yes. Yoga is a tried and tested approach to stress relief. Come to a yoga session and begin to rest and get in touch with your body. Yoga is a great tool to relieve stress. By practising slowly you are allowing yourself time to feel and be with yourself without any need to strive or attain a goal. Tuning into sensations instead of thoughts helps to ease mental tension. I teach you how to notice where you are holding unnecessary tension and how to let it go and relax.
I suffer from backache and have back problems - can I still do yoga?
Yes, yoga can help to bring relief from backache. By moving carefully you will learn to spot unhelpful habits and patterns of movement that may be causing your back pain. Yoga helps bring balance and tone to weak muscles and helps to integrate movement throughout the body. Seek the advice of your GP or back therapist if you are not sure.
Can I do yoga with a hip replacement?
I have taught many students who have had hip replacements - both before and after their operations. Students learn to move their new joint careful and develop confidence, strength and stamina around the leg and pelvis.
I have low energy - will yoga help?
Yoga is beneficial to those suffering from low energy. I teach a slow, careful approach to yoga. There is not a sequence that you need to keep up with. Rest periods are encouraged so that you are tuning into your own abilities and gently coaxing yourself to move. Significant amounts of session time is spent lying on the ground.
Am I too old to begin yoga?
You are never too old! Yoga is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy moving their body and developing a friendly relationship towards their body. You will develop a sensitivity and curiosity towards your body and learn how to move in a way that feels natural and at ease. Tiny movements are encouraged and everyone moves at their own pace and ability. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a gentle, tailored and modified approach to how we each move. Much of the session is practised lying on the ground.
I am rehabilitating from an injury - is it safe to do yoga?
I am happy to work with your physiotherapist, osteopath, OT or GP to make sure that the sessions are completely safe for you to practise, and to tailor specific movements to your needs. I have 20+ years' experience of teaching yoga. You may want to have one-to-one sessions to give you plenty of time to ask questions and to try out what feels right for you.
I’m on medication - is it safe to practise yoga?
Many people take medication these days and most are completely fine to practise yoga whilst taking prescription medication. Please do check with your GP to be completely safe.
Will I lose weight if I do yoga?
Yoga can help you lose weight if you combine it with a healthy eating plan. My approach to yoga is slow and considered - you are unlikely to work up a sweat or feel your heart racing. You will start to relate to your body in a friendly and accepting way and you will notice tone in slack muscles and release in over-tight muscles. Yoga helps relieve stress which may help with your weight loss plan. So if you are looking for exercise to help you lose weight, this may help when coupled with an aerobic workout such as uphill walking, jogging or swimming.
I’m pregnant - is this class suitable for me?
You are welcome to join my classes if you are pregnant and have practised yoga before. If you are new to yoga, I suggest you seek out a teacher who specialises in pregnancy yoga.
I like to smell good - is it ok to wear perfume during a yoga session?
You can if you feel the need, but it is preferable to not wear fragrance when you attend a session. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and your favourite fragrance could be a trigger for someone else. If you can bear to be bare and natural, go fo it!
Common fears in yoga sessions:
Falling asleep in class: lucky you to be so relaxed that you drift off! Don’t worry about it. If you’re in a Zoom session, I can quietly release you from the session at the end without you needing to get up (if you like). In a studio, I will gently and discreetly wake you. Nobody minds if someone falls asleep. It happens a lot!
Breaking wind during a class: it’s not a problem! Everyone farts and during yoga you are moving your guts around in ways that may dispel wind. In yoga we are learning to be tolerant and to be accepting - of our own body and of others - so we will be able to cope with farts if they happen. On Zoom nobody will notice!
Crying: yes, bursting into tears does happen and it's fine. When we are still, emotions can bubble up and get released. Very good! You will be in safe hands in my small group sessions. Yoga is healing by allowing our emotional hurts to surface in a safe and accepting space. I have had the privilege to sit and witness countless students release their tears and continue onward with their healing journey.