Yoga....

[smittenbyu]

Where do the following rules come from? You argue otherwise, no one believes. And it's all about Yoga

• To do Yoga one must attend class.

I understand that attending class is important as to allow one to learn the postures properly, and also one is more motivated to stick with the workout more, and you tend to keep trying in the class as opposed to when you do it on your own. But why must one attend class to do it? One can pick up one or two of the movements and practice them at home everyday (or frequently) and learn as you go, no? It seems not.


• One must do Yoga inside a closed room.

This statement is more so towards personal comfort level. Yoga can be done at the beach, in a room, outside somewhere, in the middle of a conference room.... You just might not be comfortable doing it. So, is ok if you don't. But why set the rule in stone that one must do in a closed room?


• Should wear tight fitting clothes.

Last I heard it's preferable to wear slightly loose clothes. I don't know what is the reasoning here. For the shirt I understand it's for the conservative ones that their chest not to be shown to others, especially men, when they bend over to do the various movements. Fine, a t-shirt with a good collar would do, no?


• Yoga is only for women.

I won't even try arguing this one.

I guess it goes back to how you became exposed to Yoga. Here it's seen as some hip, exotic thing that has great benefits. For myself, I grew up with my uncle doing it every day at home, outside in our garden, on the balcony, in a class, wherever. It was/is part of his life and his daily routine like brushing his teeth. So all these "rules" are more about personal preferences than rules set in stone. With that I am ok. But what I am not ok and get annoyed is that you set them in stone.... sigh...

And yes, I joined a Yoga class with my fellow colleagues & students! Our full focus of today, since it's a first for many, and also after a long time for most, was mostly on the surya-namaskar plus a few others added in. By the end of it all, we were all sweating more than we did after our badminton session last night!

And with exercise, must come good rest and so am off to bed!

Comments

[arunshanbhag.livejournal.com]

I have started yoga (http://arunshanbhag.livejournal.com/129575.html) and loved it.
But I do agree with your rule number 1. I think it generally means some sort of guidance. It can be from a private instructor in your own home.
In yoga, it would be very easy for a person, particularly an elderly person, to get hurt. An instructor will hopefully prevent that.

I can easily see someone straining their neck, or lowerback and give up on yoga for ever.

and keep up the yoga!

[smittenbyu]

I remember reading that! I would love to attend a class like that encompasses all that is yoga than just the exercise aspect of it. There was not much introduction of the programme, etc.

speaking of injuries, I ignored the fact that I should avoid doing postures that put my weight on my knees. I have a bruise on both knees & a bit of swelling!

But I enjoyed it much! Hope to continue no matter where I end up! :)

[arunshanbhag.livejournal.com]

Sashikala Ananth, our instructor is a resident of Chennai; And she would be more than willing to host a course.
Likely, there are other similarly qualified yoga practitioners everywhere in india. WHen you get a chance, try them out; When incorporated with the spiritual and life aspects of yoga, it is so much more empowering.

Sorry about your bruises,
Go Yoga!

[arunpillai.livejournal.com]

>Yoga is only for women
Thats a weird point u know

[smittenbyu]

completely! I didn't want to spend any of my time expanding on that!! sigh

[arunpillai.livejournal.com]

You don't need to. My comment was just an FYI