1. Is Yoga for me? The world of Yoga is a vast one. If you are wanting a yoga practice that is easily accessible, respectful and resourceful then Dru yoga may well suit you. Our Yoga is a gentle flowing practice which includes physical movement, breathing awareness & regulation and relaxation. All three are done with awareness and are great ways to prepare for meditation. However, meditation is not part of our regular classes.
2. Can I eat before yoga? As we move, bend, twist and even invert our bodies during a session it is advisable to have at least a two hour interval between a meal and the class. However, some people don’t feel well if they are hungry. You are the best judge of what is right for you but you but a full stomach is not advisable. If you are someone who needs to eat regularly then try eating a light snack 30 - 40 minutes beforehand in order not to get light headed.
3. Do I need to be flexible to do Yoga? When you see images of perfectly executed Yoga postures you could easily be led to believe that one can’t practise Yoga without flexibility. Once we let go of these images and ideas and enter into the practice, enjoying the close interaction between our inner selves and the body, we do delight in what we can and cannot do. We are all different with different histories. What counts is what we do now. And we do become more flexible.
4. What do I wear to Yoga class? Let’s consider: we want to be able to move freely; we want to be warm and not get too hot. Wear something you feel comfortable in. Loose may sound appealing but has several disadvantages: loose T shirts can cling to you in the wrong places and when you go head down they slide towards your head. You end up trying to adjust it and your focus will be disturbed. Wearing something slightly clingy with elasticity and room for movement is more conducive to a mindful practice. Several layers allow for adjustments as your body warms up or cools down. What materials you choose depends on your personal preferences. And once you realise that the other participants are not watching you all the time you will feel comfortable to choose what works best for you. If your hair tends to get in your face another essential is a hairband.
5. What is the difference between Yoga, other exercises and stretching? The word Yoga means ‘unite’ or ‘yoke’. We are talking about connecting body and mind. Bearing this in mind a typical DRU yoga class includes flowing movements; postures are slow flowing forms which may also be held for a number of seconds combining static stretch and isometric activity involving a variety of muscle groups at the same time. The right positioning (alignment) of limbs and torso is of great importance in achieving the desired effects. Awareness of breathing adds to the calming and focusing effect of the practice on the mind. Initially it may be difficult to notice the effects on one's body or mind. After physical practice and relaxation, feelings of peace, vitality and well-being are very common.
6. Will I lose weight? DRU Yoga provides the opportunity to reconnect our body, feelings and thoughts. Regular practice does change posture, awareness and beliefs about us and our body and improves fitness. Strengthening and stretching (lengthening) of muscles alters their shape. In brief: Yoga can and does change us and our appearance, beliefs about ourselves and our body. But: DRU Yoga is not the fastest way to burn calories.
7. Will everyone stare at me? No. We all have a curiosity about other people. But class participants are there because they are pursuing their journey, their fitness practice or rest from daily life. The practice of yoga requires all our attention. There is no time to look around.
8. What Yoga Equipment Do I Need?
Non Slip Mat
Warm Blanket
Bottle of water
Blocks or straps, if you use them (not necessary)
Your own hand gel & face mask if you wish to use them