What is yoga?

The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.

What is commonly referred to as “yoga” can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana. Asana refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Asana is only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga. Most of the limbs are more concerned with mental and spiritual well-being than physical activity. In the West, however, the words asana and yoga are often used interchangeably.

What if I’m not flexible?

Don’t avoid yoga just because you think you aren’t flexible. In fact, if you have tight muscles, yoga is just the thing to loosen you up. The point of yoga is not to show off how flexible you are. It is to become more resilient, focused, and peaceful. You also become more flexible over time while enjoying yoga’s health benefits. Yoga is not like gymnastics, in which the most flexible person gets a medal. It is a personal practice, infinitely adaptable to fit your needs.

Is yoga a religion?

In order to examine this question, it is helpful to look at the difference between religion and spirituality.

Those who participate in organized religion accept their denomination’s deity or deities and worship through a system of long-established rituals. They may read sacred texts that outline a moral code. This code is what they follow. They may also attend worship meetings led by religious leaders. These leaders have been ordained by an authority in that religion.

By contrast, we can define spirituality as the quest for understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Many use organized religion as the conduit for their spirituality, but spirituality can also exist outside the bounds of religion. In other words, spiritual practice is essential to religion, but religion is not essential to spiritual practice.

Yoga does share some things in common with religion. These include the study of ancient texts and gathering of like-minded individuals for study under a learned teacher. However, these things alone do not constitute a religion. Some yoga practices encourage meditation on a universal spirit. This spirit may even be called God. The nature of that God is left open to interpretation. Some are confused by yoga’s relationship with Hinduism, since yoga’s language borrows from the Hindu lexicon. Yoga and Hinduism are both products of ancient India. They have evolved into separate practices. Yoga, particularly hatha yoga, the study of yoga postures, has spread outside of its land of origin.

Yoga can be a spiritual practice. However, it is not a religion. It does not dictate the nature of a God to be worshipped.

Will yoga make me sore?

You might experience sore muscles after doing yoga. This is common, especially if you are just starting out or practice infrequently. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness usually occurs a day or two after exercising. This differentiates it from the sudden and immediate pain you would feel from pulling a muscle. Yoga can cause soreness. This happens even if you are in good physical shape. It encourages you to use muscles that are otherwise neglected.

A hot bath can help relieve soreness. Sometimes it feels good to do some light stretching. If you continue to do yoga regularly, you will likely discover you experience less soreness.

We hope this answers some of your questions. Feel free to e-mail us at membership@purpleyoga.org or visit our Guidelines & Etiquette section for more information.

Can men do yoga?

The short answer is yes. Many men are concerned that they will not be welcome in a yoga class. They also worry that they are not flexible enough to try yoga. This is a basic misconception. Yoga will improve your flexibility. You do not need to be flexible to do it. Since yoga has been practiced by men for so long, many of the poses actually make more sense for a man’s body and some require a lot of upper body strength, which women often lack at first.

Is yoga good for weight loss?

Doing yoga regularly offers many benefits. It makes you feel better about your body as you become stronger and more flexible. It tones your muscles. It reduces stress and improves your mental and physical well-being. But will it help you lose weight?

The short answer, yes. Most classes at Purple Yoga are very vigorous, but suitable for all levels, beginners included. Some of our classes are done in a hot room. Others are not. Both will help raise your heart rate. They will also calm your nervous system and turn your body into a fat burning machine.

Membership questions?

To cancel, downgrade, upgrade your membership or have any other questions about charges related to your account, please contact: membership@purpleyoga.org