Yoga for the Young at Heart --- Frequently Asked Questions

and a highyl-respected adjunct to consumer and corporate health and wellness programs.

There are different types of yoga. What we think of as the “physical fitness yoga” is hatha yoga. That is only one type of yoga. For example: Karma yoga focuses on selfless service. Mother Theresa was a karma yogi. The Bhakti yogi takes the path of devotion and the Jnana yogi takes the path of knowledge and wisdom. Then there are Kriya yoga (focusing on energy), Kundalini yoga (focusing on the movement of energy along the spine), Tantra yoga (channeling power and energy through ritual), and Mantra (movement of energy through sacred sounds/vibration).

What is hatha yoga?
The branch of the “yoga tree” called Hatha yoga is now commonly understood in America as being the “physical fitness” style of yoga. In Sanskrit, “Ha” means the sun energy and “Tha” refers to the moon. Together they become the balance between the sun and moon, or the balance of opposites. In Hatha yoga, poses or asanas, along with controlled breathing, bring opposing energies of the body, mind and spirit into balance. Hatha yoga is path of fitness, health, awareness and peace.

Sitting Fit

How does seated yoga compare with a regular yoga class?
Although a consistent yoga program of standing, balancing, lying poses, and inversions is a more complete practice; yoga need not be relegated to a full yoga class. Doing a seated pose or two hourly throughout the day can give you some of the benefits of a yoga practice and help relieve the results of sitting too much. Yoga poses adapted to small interludes may not have the same intensity as a full yoga class, but the benefits of yoga are readily available to those who nibble on yoga throughout the day.

Sitting Fit CDRom

I feel agitated when I sit at my computer. What can I do about that?
Your body is asking you to move! Sitting needs to be balanced with moving, breathing and stretching, so try some simple yoga stretches: twists, arms overhead, forward bends and deep conscious breathing for a "mini yoga break." You'll feel the difference and return your attention to your work refreshed, more relaxed and with a clearer mind.

Lots of people are talking about ergonomics. Does seated yoga have anything to do with that?
Ergonomics address considerations of health supportive posture, mini-breaks and keeping the body at ease. Yoga brings awareness to alignment, developing aligned patterns of motion, and a consciousness of staying relaxed and strong. A comfortable body and a peaceful mind are the foundation of creativity and productive thinking. Awareness of proper alignment will help to prevent repetitive strain injuries, relieve aches and pains, and relax the body, mind and spirit. Taking time throughout the workday to nurture ourselves through yoga will relieve stress, keep us centered and bring more peace and productivity into our lives.

Physically Challenged: Sitting Fit

I am a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair. Are there any yoga positions on your DVDs that I could do? Lauren
Absolutely! The "Sitting Fit" DVD has nine sections, each focusing on different parts of the body. They address breathing, head, neck and shoulders, upper back and then go into the lower parts of the body. The last segment is a relaxation section. You can choose the segments that work for you. I would encourage you to try it. I've had a number of paraplegics in my classes and they all seem to find ways to benefit from the poses and adapt them to their own particular needs.

If you were to recommend one yoga DVD for those with Multiple Sclerosis (balance problems and weak legs) which one would it be? Thanks
Yoga is an amazing help for those with MS. I would recommend you begin with my seated yoga program, "Sitting Fit Anytime." Do the poses at the level that feels comfortable for you, and as you build strength and confidence, you can try the "Yoga for the Young at Heart" video, a gentle beginners class. The key is to respect your limits, be gentle with yourself and breathe your body in and out of the poses.

My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, his wife is active in yoga and trying to encourage more participation from him. We are going to visit for Christmas and have talked with him about doing yoga, and was wondering if you have any suggestions. I am also looking for a VHS which they can use on a near daily basis. Thank you for your assistance.
Kimberly

Hi Kimberly, thank you for your interest in "Yoga for the Young at Heart." I'm sure you can encourage your father-in-law to try yoga, especially if his wife is enthusiastic about it.

Depending on his level of physical ability, he could try the "Sitting Fit Anytime" video, all yoga in a chair and very unintimidating; or "Yoga for the Young at Heart," a gentle beginners class featuring students from 50 years old into their 80s. He may be encouraged by them...if they can do it, he can do it!

I am a certified yoga teacher and would like to work with students with physical and mental challenges. Which of your videos or publications would you suggest to assist me in getting started?

Dear Rita,

Thank you for your inquiry. It's wonderful that you are working with physically and mentally challenged people! There is such a need for that, and yoga is so powerful in helping on all levels.

It really depends on what the student's limitations are. The least intimidating and most accessible program that I have is the "Sitting Fit Anytime" Collection. There are two different programs, the video which is divided into segments focusing on different areas of the body, as well as breathing and relaxation; and the audiotape which is four segments also addressing specific areas of the body... and breathing and relaxation.

You can mix and match the segments to fit with your student's abilities.
If they're ready for a standing practice, the "Yoga for the Young at Heart" video is a good beginning practice.

Hi Lori,

Thank you for your interest in "Yoga for the Young at Heart." Our "Sitting Fit Anytime" Collection is especially for people who spend a lot of time sitting. People in wheelchairs have a variety of strengths and weaknesses, and depending on the reason for your dependence on a wheelchair, the Sitting Fit programs can be adapted to your level of ability.

I would suggest that you try it out and do only the poses that you're able to do. You'll probably be surprised at how many of them don't require you to use your legs. The video and the audiotape are two different programs, so you might want to try them both, although the audio takes more concentration to stay in the flow.

I'm wondering if you have a suggestion for someone like myself. I have fibromyalgia and would like to start yoga. What would you suggest for me? I'm 49, an overweight female and need to learn to relax, my Dr. tells me. Friends have told me about yoga so I'm going to try it.
Thank you, Debra

Yoga can certainly help with fibromyalgia. I know of a number of women who have experienced great relief through yoga... and it is a wonderful relaxation experience. I encourage you to begin slowly. Be kind, gentle and listen to your body. Yoga shouldn't hurt.

Depending on your level of physical ability, you can begin with our "Sitting Fit" video, or the "Yoga for the Young at Heart" video.
"Sitting Fit" is all done in the safety of a chair and is divided into sections related to different parts of the body.

"Yoga for the Young at Heart" is a beginning class with explanations on breathing and a sequence of poses ending with relaxation.
In either case, just take it easy and do only what you can do. Yoga is called a practice because it takes practice. The first yoga class for most people is a "wake up" call. It brings up all sorts of awarenesses about our bodies that we probably don't want to acknowledge, but if you gently push yourself along, the blessings are amazing.

There comes a time when we can't "do nothing " because that is doing something anyway. If we don't take care of ourselves, we'll be hurting ourselves by not doing anything. I encourage you to just do it... and keep doing it! You'll be glad you did!

I also suggest that you find a good yoga teacher that inspires you. Shop around. There are as many different yoga styles as there are teachers. There's no substitute for a good teacher, and the videos are a great introduction and will keep you going at home.

Menopause

How does yoga help menopause?
Yoga brings us back to center, helping us to remember who we really are, feel our inner strength and reconnect with our inner wisdom. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, menopause is a re-balancing and redefining of ourselves on the deepest levels. Many of the symptoms of menopause can be aggravated by stress. Yoga relaxes us, brings us into balance and helps us to tune into our deepest self. There are poses that help to cool the body, relax the nervous system, oxygenate and detoxify our organs and muscles, and prevent osteoporosis. Yoga balances the endocrine system, which can help to stabilize hormone levels, and calm our emotions. As a total practice, yoga is a powerful support through the menopause process.

Can yoga help with menopause symptoms?
Absolutely. Yoga calms the emotions, relaxes the nervous system and helps to balance emotional extremes. It can help to reduce hot flashes, prevent osteoporosis, cleanse the lymphatic system, control weight, increase circulation, and keep our bodies strong, flexible and youthful. Yoga, meditation and pranayama (yogic breathing) can relieve insomnia, enhance mental acuity, and bring us to a place of equilibrium and peace.

Dear Yasmin,
Thank you for your inquiry. You asked if doing the "Yoga for the Young at Heart" video will help you to lose weight. While there are no guarantees, yoga can help to balance your body's metabolism and make it more efficient in finding the optimum weight for you. Depending on what type of exercise program you've been doing (or not doing) and depending on your diet (eating healthy, light foods), yoga will help to support your fitness program and certainly make weight loss easier.

Baby Boomers

Although I was fit and trim until 40, I am now 55, and am 65 lbs overweight. I now realize that my extra weight has put lots of stress on my joints. Can I safely do yoga as part of my weight loss program? How gentle is gentle yoga?

Yes, that's right...and yoga can help to strengthen your joints and ligaments.
Can I safely do yoga as part of my weight loss program?
Absolutely! In fact, it'll help... yoga helps to balance your body's metabolism too.
How gentle is gentle yoga?

Yoga can be as gentle as deep breathing. You can tailor your poses to your own level of ability. Begin with the level of the pose that is comfortable for you, and then stretch gently a bit beyond your "edge." You'll find that your edges move with each deep breath and you are able to do more than you thought you could. The trick is to be gentle with yourself, honor your limits and go slowly and consciously into and out of the poses, breathing your way through your yoga.

Our videos are a gentle way to start. Just take your time, do what you can, and honor your body.

I am wondering which DVD to get. I'm 43 have never done yoga and have a bad lower back?
Thanks, Lette

I would need a little more information on what your issue is with your lower back, but I'll answer your question by giving you a general answer.
I started doing yoga when I was 45 years old, so I can tell you that it has the potential of changing not only your body, but your life!
I began yoga looking for relief from a lower back problem as well... and I found it, and much, much more! Get ready for a great adventure!
A lot depends on your level of fitness and flexibility. If you definitely feel that you want a softer beginning class, I'd suggest "Yoga for the Young at Heart" DVD. Although you're younger than the students in the class, it would be a good beginning for you.

As your strength and flexibility improve, you could go to the next video in the Basic Series, "Accessible Yoga for Every Body," and continue on to "Every Day Yoga for Every Body," Basic Series 3. The videos are progressively a bit more challenging, but you can mix and match them to the mood of your day. The main thing is to be gentle with yourself, breathe yourself lovingly in and out of the poses, and honor your body's limits. Listen carefully to the messages your body gives you and respect them. Yoga should feel good, not hurt. The key is awareness in every transition and every pose.

A lot of lower back problems are a result of shortened hamstrings.
Unless you have a more serious back problem, you may find that stretching your hamstrings releases your lower back and the pain will disappear amazingly fast.

Beginners

What does yoga do to benefit people?
As a fitness practice, yoga increases strength, flexibility, vitality, and brings a sense of centeredness and well-being. It brings the body’s systems into balance, detoxifying, energizing and relaxing the body and mind. The entire body benefits from a yoga practice. Many physical discomforts are relieved, as well as many symptoms of stress, menopause, and aging.

Do you think I’m too stiff and inflexible to do yoga?
You have to start somewhere! If you don’t do some stretching, you’ll just keep getting stiffer and more inflexible. If you start to stretch in a yoga practice, your body will soon reap the benefits and your flexibility will increase. Anyone can start to stretch!

I have never taken yoga before. Can I just drop in once in a while?
It’s really better to get into a consistent yoga routine. That’s the key. Hit and miss classes won’t bring you the same benefits as a regularly scheduled and disciplined practice. You can experiment with how it feels. Try a couple of weeks of regularly scheduled classes, and then try a couple of weeks of inconsistency…you’ll feel the difference!