The Truth About Yoga

April 2006
GOLF & LIFE VIETNAM MAGAZINE

Youve thought about trying out Yoga for ages youve seen Madonnas latest video and know she got that amazing body from Yoga and youve even heard that it can help make you calmer and happier - so whats stopping you from having a go?.

The word Yoga conjures up many images and is surrounded by myth and mystery. Its easy to procrastinate and find reasons not to make it to that first Yoga class, but if you do you may find yourself hooked and feeling the benefits of great health and serenity. Lets have a look then at some of the ideas you may have about Yoga that are holding you back and what you can expect from your first class.

Myth:
Yoga is for vegetarian, non-smoking, non-drinking puritans. I like to eat meat and have a few glasses of wine/beer. I wont fit in/Yogas not for people like me.

Truth:
Yes, the teachings of Yoga advocate healthy eating and lifestyle choices, but it is not necessary to be a vegetarian or strict puritan to practice the Yoga Asanas (asana is the term used to describe the exercises or postures that are taught at Yoga schools and are what most people think of when they hear the word Yoga). However, the practice of Yoga enhances your sensitivity to your body and you may find that you naturally start to enjoy a healthier attitude both to your diet and yourself.

Myth:
Ive seen pictures of people in bizarre contortionist poses. I could never do that. Im too stiff/ fat/have a bad back/too unfit.

Truth:
Most people, even the great teachers of Yoga started doing Yoga because they were stiff or sore, overweight or injured. Yoga promotes flexibility and restores the body to balance and health and is often used as a tool for therapy. It is even MORE of a reason to start Yoga if you suffer from pain and injury, but just make sure you consult your doctor and advise the teacher before beginning classes.

Myth:
I like really strong and active exercise. Yoga is just for relaxation and meditation; its too easy, I want to sweat!.

Truth:
There are many styles of Yoga you can try and yes, some are more relaxing than others (check out Yin Yoga and some Hatha Yoga classes if this is what youre after) but even the most simple looking asanas can actually create tremendous energy and require focus, strength and suppleness to master. There are also Yoga classes that are designed to build great heat in the body through vigorous and continual motion. Just ask anyone who does Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyassa or Power Yoga how easy Yoga is and how much they sweat!

Are you ready now to give it a try? Great! Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that dont constrict you and have a bottle of water ready for after class. Also, it is important to practice on an empty stomach, so leave at least an hour and a half after a meal before class time. Now dont expect to be a master in the first class, you will probably struggle to keep up and may feel un-coordinated as you watch others seemingly glide through the postures. It takes practice. Rest as often as you need and know that everyone starts somewhere! But you will feel amazing benefits and progress if you stick at it and within three months you will be a completely different person in class. In your daily life you can expect to have better posture, greater vitality, a sense of lightness in the body and more clarity and focus.

Sounds good? Why not check out the Saigon Yoga timetable on www.saigonyoga.com and take the first step towards what could be a life-changing journey. Look for next months article, where we will be covering the benefits of yoga.

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