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Is Yoga Right For Me?
To Yoga or not to Yoga, There is no Question"

By Ginny Grupp

To Yoga or Not to Yoga, That is the Question

"Is yoga right for me?" "I'm not flexible." "Everyone in class will be better than me." "Isn't that a stretching class?" Is there any reason you cannot practice yoga? The answer is a resounding NO! There are many aspects to yoga. The trick is in simply figuring out which yoga practice is right for you. So, here is a brief explanation of what yoga is and how you (yes, you) can take that first step into class at any time.

"Yoga" as we practice it here in the western world often refers to the Hatha yoga tradition. What does that mean? Hatha (pronounced ha-ta) is a Sanskrit word which literally means "physical" or to "force." Breaking the word down into ha the masculine and tha the feminine, together we have a balance of opposites. Yoga derives from the Sanskrit word "yuj", which means "yoke" or "union". Hatha yoga, therefore can be translated to mean the union of opposites through physical practice.

Now that we understand what yoga means, let's look at some of the aspects of yoga. The 3 most prominent aspects of yoga are asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. Together, they create a path to controlling the mind through movement and breathing. The physical practice of yoga— what we see in our local gym or studio—is simply a practice developed to prepare the body for meditation. The use of movement and breath quiets the mind and calms the muscles so that the mind can be clear and conscious to meditate. Finding a comfortable position for the physical body while the mind is quiet—perhaps for hours—is not easy. Yoga practice facilitates meditation.

Yoga is also not just a stretching class. Your flexibility may change with your yoga practice as you become more fit. In each class we incorporate strength and stability through movement and breath. Each instructor teaches class in his/her own style. Some may focus more on strength, some more on flexibility…both are integral to yoga practice.

You will be surprised to know that you can find a place in class. It may take some looking around and talking with others. Which instructor focuses on strength? Who teaches a gentle class? You will also be surprised by who you find in a class. Classes are not comprised of skinny, flexible, beautiful people. Students range in age from children to elders and everyone in between. Strength and flexibility vary greatly, too. Some students can do headstands and move into positions that don't seem possible to us mere mortals. Others cannot touch their toes even if they bend their knees. Keep in mind that if you can breathe, you can do yoga.

Beginners and students of all levels are welcome in class. The most important aspect of yoga is to listen to your body. Some days it will say, "I feel great, let's try that backbend." Other days it will say, "Please take care of me, I don't feel so well." Your mission is to be able to hear, interpret and honor all of the messages your body sends you. Only you can hear them. Your breath serves as the interpreter between the signals your body is sending to your mind. At different times, you will discover breath that brings you additional strength just when you thought you were tapped out. Other times, you will find that your breath allows you to find your perfect place in a pose or helps you to let go and surrender more deeply to a pose. Your body sends the signals and the breath tells your mind where to go. It's a beautiful synergy and one that we experience only when our mind is quiet and we are fully aware.

So go ahead and experience all of the benefits that yoga brings:

To yoga or not to yoga…there is no question.

About the Author:

Ginny Grupp holds an MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, is an ACE-certified personal trainer and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. She works with clients in Alaska and around the world via her website.