Answering Your Top 10 Yoga Questions: A Beginner’s Guide

Welcome all yoga beginners! If you have landed here because you’ve heard how wonderful yoga is for you. Here are a few of the most commonly asked yoga questions asked by yoga beginners, along with a few reasons why we think everyone should do yoga!

Yoga Questions And Answers

Yoga FAQs by new yogis:

Here are some common yoga questions that people often ask, along with their answers:

What is yoga?

The word ‘yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means to join or unite. Yoga is a method that helps to find balance in the body and peace in the mind. It includes:

Pranayama: special breathing exercises that calm the mind.

Asanas: yoga postures that make the body healthy and flexible.

Why should I start practicing yoga?

Yoga has many benefits and is for everyone—whether you are young or old, flexible or weak, strong or inflexible.

Yoga is more than just a physical exercise. It is a way to connect and balance your body, mind, and spirit, feeling like returning home.

I’m a yoga beginner – which style should I start with?

There are many different styles of yoga, and Hatha yoga may be a good choice to start with.

Hatha yoga is a foundational style that creates a strong foundation for other yoga methods.

When is the best time to practice yoga?

Morning time is ideal for yoga. If morning is inconvenient for you, you can practice yoga in the afternoon or evening, but make sure there is a sufficient gap between meal and yoga.

What should I wear and bring?

Choose comfortable and flexible clothes that do not hinder your movements. Leggings and tank tops are good choices because they allow for a full range of motion. If you tend to sweat, waterproof and quick-drying clothes may be a good choice.

It’s important to bring a water bottle and towel, especially if you tend to sweat.

Leave the socks and sneakers at home, practicing barefoot gives your feet better grip and allows you to perform the poses correctly.

If you have your own yoga mat, it’s a good idea to bring it along. However, many yoga studios rent mats.

Some yoga classes may require blocks, belts, or cushions. You can ask your yoga studio if these materials are available or if you should bring them.

How often and for how long should I do the asanas?

Gradually increasing the frequency and duration of yoga practice is a good idea.

Initially, start with 45-minute sessions three times a week. After some practice, increase it to five times a week, each time for an hour.

Over time, try practicing different yoga postures (asanas) and pranayama techniques.

Pay attention to your body’s reactions while doing yoga. If you feel tired or any discomfort, consider resting or moving to less intense postures.

What if I can’t remember the names of the poses?

Yoga postures have names in Sanskrit, but they often have a translation in English as well.

If you can’t remember the name of a pose, a good way to do it is to look around the room and follow the teacher’s instructions. In a yoga class, teachers often demonstrate the poses, so you can learn more easily just by watching.

Can I do yoga when I am menstruating?

Whether to consider yoga during menstruation is entirely a matter of personal experience and comfort level.

Most importantly, if you find a pose uncomfortable or painful, avoid it and try a more comfortable option.

Some yoga teachers recommend caution when doing inverted poses such as Headstand, Handstand, or Shoulder stand during menstruation. They believe these poses may restrict blood flow.

Light and relaxing poses such as Balasana (Child’s Pose), Shavasana (Corpse Pose), or kapotasana (Pigeon Pose) may be beneficial during menstruation.

Can I do the asanas by myself with the help of a yoga book?

Yes, but this is not recommended. It is possible to learn the asanas through a yoga book or DVD, but it is not the most effective and safest way.

A yoga teacher can help you with the correct technique and correct alignment of the asanas. Incorrect alignment or technique increases the chances of injury.

Do I have to stop taking alcoholic drinks/ non veg for doing yoga?

In yoga philosophy, diet and lifestyle are directly related to the state of mind, body and soul. Many yoga scriptures and philosophers believe that non-vegetarian diet and alcohol can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. These elements can over-stimulate the body and disrupt focus and concentration.

If you want to get more deep benefits of yoga, adopting a moderate diet and lifestyle can be beneficial. However, it is not completely necessary that you immediately give up alcohol and non-veg completely.

Is it ok to fall asleep during Savasana?

The purpose of Corpse Pose is to maintain awareness of the body and mind and achieve inner peace. Sleeping will prevent you from fully achieving this goal and experiencing the benefits associated with the mental state.

Yoga Questions Summary

If your yoga journey is started in the right direction and practiced consistently, it can certainly be an ideal opportunity to change your life.