Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@basicxman

basicxman/yogafaq.md

Created September 17, 2013 02:45
Show Gist options
  • Star 0 You must be signed in to star a gist
  • Fork 0 You must be signed in to fork a gist
  • Save basicxman/6589494 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save basicxman/6589494 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
Raw
yogafaq.md

#r/Yoga Information Hub

When in doubt, use the search engine in the sidebar to look through older posts. There are plenty of posts on getting into yoga, coming into yoga from injuries, etc.

##Getting Into Yoga

At Home

Free Classes

At Class

So its that time. You've decided you are going to make the plunge and try out your first real live yoga class. You have picked a style and a studio and a ready to rock. So, whats next?

What to expect

That first yoga class is tomorrow, you have no idea what to expect. This will help you.

General tips

So you have made it to the studio, what to do now?

  1. First and foremost, ask about the studios etiquette. It can be [a bit different in hot yoga.] (http://www.reddit.com/r/yoga/comments/17i8rz/going_to_hot_yoga_for_first_time_is_there_any/) You are new and don't want to annoy the teachers and other students.
  2. Accept that you are new and the people around you may be able to do more advanced postures than you.
  3. Allow your body to progress naturally. Do not force yourself to places you are not ready for, it can lead to injury.
  4. Accept what type of instruction is given to you. Do not let the type of instruction the teacher gives get to you. These first few classes are about you and your body learning what is going on.
  5. Branch out. Try different classes and class types and find what works best for you.

Yoga with Injuries

Lots of people come to /r/yoga wondering what to do about yoga and how it relates to their specific injury problems. Perhaps we have seen a similar issue. However, if you do have the desire to post an injury specific question, please note that posts on the internet can not replace a doctor. There are plenty of RYT's on this subreddit that will do their best to help you, but seeking the advice of a medical professional is always the best approach.

Sex Specific

What to Wear

Having trouble on deciding what appropriate attire for your class is? We are here to help.

Men

For men, standard athletic attire is acceptable. Most commonly seen is a pair of running or basketball shorts and a t-shirt. Try to avoid clothing that is too baggy. Additionally, though less common, men practice in form fitting compression shorts or capris. Practicing without a shirt is acceptable in most studios. Threads discussing this topic:

Women

There are far more options for yoga clothes available to women. The most common attire is a pair of yoga pants and an athletic top. For bottoms, women also wear leggings, running shorts, short leggings (aka 'booty shorts'), and capris. For tops, women also wear t-shirts and sports bras. Wear whatever is most comfortable to you while you practice. Threads on this topic.

r/Yoga advice

Frontpage Features

  • Asana of the Week
  • Weekly Form Thread - These are stickied to the top of the subreddit, come check your form on a pose!
  • Growing list of studios and reviews
  • Growing list of gear and reviews
  • Weekly Mindfulness Thread

Other Subreddits

Yoga Gear

Gear can be found in all shapes and sizes and at varying price points. Here are some of the more common discussions that come up.

Mats

Towels

Blocks

Is yoga for me?

This question is commonly asked, and the answer is most astoundingly yes. There are very few situations in which yoga can't be incorporated into daily life for some sort of benefit. Yoga can be good for the mind and the body. Here are some of the common questions and responses:

Information Resources

Want a good book or DVD? Here are some previous conversations.

Books

DVDs

Different Types of Yoga

There are a multitude of yoga philosophies and styles, ranging from strengthening and energetic to meditative and calm. People practice yoga for any number of reasons and all of the styles have specific attributes about them that may be better suited to you. Below is a brief description of several of the most common types of yoga and what they focus on.

Anusara

A relatively new form of yoga (1997), which pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Postures can be challenging, but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

Ashtanga

This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and may be difficult for beginners.

Bikram

A set series of 26 postures practiced in high heat which promotes more flexibility, and prevention of injuries. The method of is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss.

Forrest

A modern yoga style based on Hatha yoga. It is known for its long holding of positions, emphasis on abdominal core work, and standing series that can go on for 20 poses on each side. Reputed for its intensity, the style emphasizes connecting to one's feelings in order to work through physical and emotional trauma.

Hatha

An easy-to-learn, basic form of yoga that has become very popular in the United States. Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation and kundalini into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization.

Hot

While originally referring to the Bikram Yoga style, hot yoga has been moved to incorporate all different styles of yoga. It is common for studios to have 'hot' classes that are not the 'Hot 26' that Bikram developed. With that, this 'style' is more of just an adjective for other forms of yoga.

Integral

This traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.

Iyengar

This style promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. The poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga. In Iyengar, you slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so, and then rest for a few breaths before stretching into another. Use of props (towels and blocks) is encouraged.

Jivamukti

This method expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times. It is a vigorous and challenging asana form (the physical part) with an emphasis on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to God and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga.

Kundalini

This practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Power

a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense high pace aerobic workout.

Restorative

In a restorative yoga class you’ll spend long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters – passively allowing muscles to relax.

Vinyasa

Focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. A vinyasa class differs from a 'power' class in that it is less strenuous and generally will feature fewer high level poses. A great introduction to 'flow' based yoga.

Yin

This is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures or asanas that are held for comparatively long periods of time: five minutes or longer per pose is typical. The poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. Commonly misunderstood as restorative, yin yoga can be difficult for beginners due to the extreme posture duration.

Namaste

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment