This question is one of the most common questions I receive from clients and friends who are interested in starting Yoga. Yoga incorporates all aspects of fitness. It requires a full-body approach from cardio, strength, flexibility and balance, using each element of fitness simultaneously.
It requires a full-body approach from cardio, strength, flexibility and balance, using each element of fitness simultaneously.
I find it easier to work with clients who have limited mobility, as they are generally less likely to fall and hang into their joints. They can use their strength to support their joints as they move into a pose, improving their mobility gradually and safely.
Yoga originally began as a male-only practice, aimed at meditation and controlling both body and mind. Females were not allowed to practice. However, this later changed once Yoga was introduced into western culture. Around the 1970s, more and more women started to find Yoga an appealing work out.
Yoga originally began as a male-only practice.
When I first started teaching Yoga, I noticed more women practising than men. However, these days I see a shift, as more and more men are beginning to experiment with Yoga, and noticing the numerous benefits; improved strength, flexibility and ability to focus. With the shift in stigma, many well-known male athletes are now reaping the rewards of Yoga, like LeBron James, Aaron Rodgers and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, to name a few.
One of the main reasons I LOVE Yoga is because it requires no equipment. The fact that you can stop, drop and practice anywhere at any time. I have practised everywhere, from tiny hotel rooms, airport lounges during a layover, to outside open decks overlooking the ocean. Any little space that allows you to move provides you with the platform to practice.
It requires no equipment. The fact that you can stop, drop and practice anywhere at any time.
My favourite dynamic self-practice usually consists of my wooden floorboards and socks. For my slower-paced practice, I prefer doing it on my rug with a few pillows. If you require props for your yoga practice, many household/hotel items can be used to assist; books, pillows, backpacks and blankets. Please keep in mind that yoga mats and props are not essential to have an effective practice.
There are many different styles and layers to the practice of Yoga, from soft slower styles to more dynamic and vigorous varieties. In classes, I encourage everyone to listen to their body. There are many variations in every Yoga pose which can be adjusted for your height, size, energy level, injury or ability. There are no limitations in Yoga, everyone is welcome, and if a teacher is guiding you, they will suggest adjustments if needed, to make the practice suitable for you. Do not let age be a deterrent factor from attempting Yoga.
One of my personal enjoyments is having new clients walk into the practice or my online sessions sceptical on whether they will even receive a decent workout. By mid-class they’re sweating and breathing heavy, giving me ‘the look’.
If you end up taking a Vinyasa based class, or yoga class with Vinyasa elements, you are guaranteed to get a great workout.
There are many different styles to Yoga, but if you end up taking a Vinyasa based class, or yoga class with Vinyasa elements, you are guaranteed to get a great workout. Trial one of our mobility programs and I guarantee I’ll get your heart pumping while improving your mobility.
Namaste
Cody
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