FAQ's

On this page we will address a few Frequently Asked Questions. If you are unfamiliar with Yoga hopefully these will give you a little guidance.

If you already attend a yoga class, feel comfortable to ask your teacher questions before or at the end of class. 
The relationship of teacher & student in Yoga is a supportive one and asking questions can help create a bond, as well as further the teacher's understanding of your needs and further the students understanding of their practice.
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Who can do yoga?

The simple answer is almost everyone. 

Yoga, through the eyes of the Bermuda Yoga Teachers Association, is all about community and inclusivity for all.

Yoga is available to all body types, physical abilities, the old and the young, the flexible and inflexible, whatever your ethnicity, race and economic status. For sure your yoga practice may need to be adapted to suit you as an individual and the great news is that here in Bermuda we have a plethora of teachers who will help you navigate your specific needs! 

Yoga is not about your physical ability to perform a pose, it’s about the connection to yourself and a journey of awareness and self-exploration.
 
The thoughts and worries that may lead you to believe that you are not right for yoga, can be an indication that it is the perfect time to start.
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"True yoga is not  about the shape of you body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived.
​Yoga doesn't care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming."

- Aadil Palkhivala

Do I have to be flexible to practice Yoga?

The simple answer is no.

There are many benefits to taking up the practice of Yoga. If you are not flexible, yoga is a great way to become more flexible!
But being flexible is not a prerequisite  to going to a Yoga class. And it is not even the goal of Yoga.

People are often worried that they are not flexible and that that will somehow inhibit their ability, and they won't be able to do the poses correctly. In truth, everyone's body is different and everyone's individual practice is different. You come to Yoga to support YOUR body and YOUR needs, and the practice will adapt to suit YOU.

A good teacher understands that often we can feel self-conscious and compare ourselves to others, especially to social media images, and will help you to feel more at ease. The following quote sums it up beautifully...

“Yoga is not fancy poses.
It’s how you live your life,
how you connect and how you react.

It is the stuff you live off the mat,
not how high you can get your feet off the ground or deep you back can bend.

Yoga is about healing, and learning and acceptance.
It is about joy and struggle: both.

It is about steps back, moving forward and the dance in-between.

Yoga is goal-less because there is NO END TO THE PRACTICE.
There is no goal.

The practice is eternally evolving, as is your approach to it,
your needs on and off the mat, and your body’s ability to do the physical stuff.

Yoga is not fancy poses.
Yoga is not fancy poses.
Yoga is not fancy poses.

The goal of yoga is to let go of the goal.”

- Flying Yogini​

Is Yoga a religion?

Yoga, it is quite true, has historically been associated with India’s three great religious-cultural traditions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. However Yoga has two primary meanings: union and discipline.

Union: the very word “yoga” means to “yoke”, to unite the body-mind in harmony.

Discipline: integral yoga is an approach to life that seeks to unite all the aspects of our living, e.g. our inner, spiritual life and our relations with others.
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It can be said that yoga is a system of practices for the development of human potential. It attempts to stimulate our nature’s optimal fulfillment. While it has an eastern origin, it transcends both the cultural and geographical boundaries that initially supported it. Instead it has become a valued practice and tool in the lives of people from all religions or none. We need not believe in anything other than the possibility that we can go beyond our present understanding and experience of the world, and more significantly, beyond our current egocentric state of being.

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"Yoga itself does not have any religion,
​it is self transformation for wellbeing"

 - Sarath Jois

My body type does not look like the typical representation of someone who does yoga. Is it still for me?

Absolutely yes, you can practice yoga at any weight, size, and fitness level. A good yoga instructor can help you adjust in poses and positions to accommodate your body type and shape. The aim of a good teacher is to make everyone feel equal and empowered within themselves.

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Can Yoga help me loose weight?

Yes, yoga can help you lose weight. The gentle postures coupled with mindful breathing help to detoxify the body, cleanse the digestive tract, and decrease anxiety and stress. Stress is one of the biggest culprits behind weight gain. Yoga can help reduce your stress as well as provide a gentle form of exercise that can strengthen the body and tone your muscles.

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" Yoga must not be practiced to control the body; it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body,
all the freedom it needs."

- Vanda Scaravelli

How is Yoga different from other styles of stretching and exercise?

The fitness industry is a changing landscape. If we look back there is certainly an era, in the not too distant past, were we might have thought about exercise in terms of improving the condition and appearance of our bodies.

The shift now is evolving to think about exercise as something that we do for our total wellbeing. To improve not just our bodies, but our quality of life. We talk a lot more these days about how exercise improves our health and make us feel better.

Yoga is certainly an inspiration for guiding this shift in perspective. Yoga is a system of wellbeing.
It is a centuries old system that brings together the balance of Wellness of Body, Wellness of Mind, Wellness of Spirit.
It is an integrated approach to looking not just at our physical bodies, but at how every aspect of our lives is interconnected and has an effect on our wellbeing.

Yoga classes have risen through the ranks of the 'fitness industry' for the convenience of marketing the 'Yoga' product. But it is a missed opportunity to see Yoga only as an exercise class.
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​A Yoga practice becomes a process of reflection and insight into the condition of our lives; understanding ourselves on a deeper level and seeking to reveal how our lives have become out of balance and how we can bring ourselves to wholeness.
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"The success of Yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures
but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships."

- T.K.V. Desikschar

I have a medical problem. Can I still do yoga?

In the event that you have a pre-existing medical issue or suspect that you may have a serious injury or aliment issue, it is recommended that you seek the counsel of a medical professional prior to embarking upon a new yoga practice.

Some teachers will have more experience, knowledge and certification in certain areas. If you have a medical problem or are in recovery and you already have a regular teacher, keep them notified of your condition and check with them that they are confident in supporting your needs.

If you are coming to Yoga for the first time, reach out to the BYTA ([email protected]) and will will give you some advice on connecting with a teacher that has the necessary expertise to safely support your recovery at the same time as establishing your practice. 

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​Can I practice yoga if I am pregnant?

Prenatal Yoga is a great way to stay physically active during pregnancy.
​It is also a great way to prepare for childbirth, in addition to offering physical and mental benefits during the pregnancy itself.

If you have never practiced Yoga before it is very important that you follow the advice of an experienced pregnancy yoga teacher.
Some breathing techniques and postures practiced in regular classes may not be suitable or may need to be adjusted during pregnancy.
Make sure you sign up for a Prenatal class with a qualified teacher.

If you are already a regular Yogi, in most cases, continuing your practice during pregnancy is fine.
​It is important to advise your instructor that you are pregnant so that they can accommodate your changing needs during your pregnancy. This may involve adjust or avoiding certain poses and breathing techniques. Your body will be changing with each trimester and will require different modifications. If your instructor does not have a lot of experience teaching pregnant women, they may wish to simply recommend you to someone who does.

Prenatal Yoga classes are also a great way to meet and bond with other pregnant women, and feel part of a community (this is especially valuable for first time parents).

Each pregnancy is unique and so it is always advisable to check with your medical health care provider before you begin a prenatal Yoga program. Yoga may not be advisable if your pregnancy has an increased risk or if you have certain medical conditions... so make sure your health care provider gives you the OK.

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Can I eat before class?

Plan to practice on an empty stomach.

If you need a snack, eat a piece of fruit or something very light and easy to digest at least an hour before class. Preferably you want about two hours between eating and practicing.

​Try this article from the yoga journal on 'What to Eat Before and After Yoga'.

One of the benefits of yoga is its detoxification of the body. Drinking lots of water will help flush the toxins out of your system, so do hydrate well both before and after class.

If you need to drink while practicing, try and limit yourself to taking small sips. Then you can drink up when you’re done!
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Do I have to register for a class in advance?

'Once upon a time'... in a world pre-COVID, people could attend ​drop-in yoga classes!
Well, part of you our Yoga practice is finding acceptance for what is. And our world is different now.

Each teacher / studio will have different polices and guidelines. And of course national guidelines are being adjusted accordingly as we respond to the pandemic.

So for now, absolutely, register for all classes in advance.
It is best to check with the teacher directly for their individual policies before you begin classes with them.

Have a Question?

If you have any other questions please email [email protected] and we will do our best to help answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

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