Vinyasa Yoga vs. Bikram Yoga: Which is Better?
As a yoga teacher, I realize when you first start out, all yoga looks the same. But each type of yoga has its strengths and liabilities. So let’s explore the question, what is the difference between vinyasa yoga and Bikram yoga? The key differences between vinyasa and Bikram yoga include time, temperature, environment, and sequence…
Yoga For Runners: By A Runner & Yoga Teacher
I was a runner for twenty-five years, was on competitive cross country and track teams and I have taught yoga since 2005. But it took me a long time to combine the two and ask the question, is yoga good for runners? Yoga provides numerous benefits to runners, including aiding in recovery and helping to…
Why Does Yoga Make Me Cry: Reasons, science & tips
Based on my personal observation of tens of thousands of students and knowledge of the science involved, crying in yoga is normal. But so is feeling angry, sad, joyous, or any other type of emotion. The true question is, why does yoga make you cry and feel emotional? You cry, get angry, and feel good…
Essential Yoga Equipment For Beginners
Look around at social media or in popular portrayals of yoga, and you might think you need $300 yoga pants and chairs, blankets, and bolsters. None of that is true, as you’ll find out when we address the question, “what is essential yoga equipment for beginners?” The only essential equipment you need for yoga is…
Does Yoga Build Strength
People view yoga as an activity that can calm your mind and increase your flexibility. You may wonder, can it do more like help you create a lean, toned, and strong body? In other words, does yoga build strength? Yoga is a strength-based practice. It excels at using your body weight to make you stronger…
Why Practice Yoga
Beyond the benefits of yoga is the bigger question of why people practice yoga? There is value in the practice of yoga itself and three other reasons. First, we practice yoga to understand and gain insight. Second, it takes practice to make a change that sticks. And third, the practice of yoga can help you…
How Can Yoga Prevent Injury
One yoga benefit of yoga rarely explored is the role it plays in injury prevention. That may not seem intuitive, given the focus we put on its mind-body aspects. But this discussion can help athletes or anyone who has a body, so it’s worth asking, “how can yoga prevent injury.” Quality How It Helps Prevent…
What is Asana in Yoga
Take any yoga class, and you are going to hear the term asana a lot. But what is it? Asana is the physical practice of yoga and relates to the body. Asana is also another name for the poses or postures of yoga. In Sanskrit, the word asana translates as “seat,” specifically for meditation. Today…
Is Vinyasa Yoga Hard
People ask, “Is vinyasa yoga hard” because they want to know if they’ll be able to do it. Vinyasa isn’t more difficult than any other type of yoga if you choose a class based on your ability and level of fitness. Jump into a random vinyasa class without much yoga experience, and it can be…
Can I Learn Yoga By Myself
If you are brand new to yoga and want to learn in the fastest and easiest way, it can be tempting to think, “Can I learn yoga by myself.” Technically you can learn yoga by yourself. However, you will spend more time and money doing so to become a skilled practitioner and run a greater…