One of the Eight Limbs of Yoga is the practice of Ahimsa (meaning ‘to do no harm’). Since yoga was introduced to the Western world in the early 1900s, it has been primarily viewed as a form of physical exercise. While yoga teachers learn the traditional teachings, the connection to the ancient texts are seldom spoken about in a North American yoga practice, and few yogis give up meat in order to be a “proper” yogi.

There are many different styles of yoga – including laughing yoga, goat yoga and beer yoga. No two yoga classes are alike, and most people find the yoga class they like best is based on the teacher that they resonate with. A great toga teachers won’t be afraid to laugh at themselves, the funny idiosyncrasies of a yoga practice, or the stereotypes of those who practice it. Each teacher will create a different yoga experience, even within the same style of yoga. You never know who or what might be exactly what you need until you try a few different practices.

You can have the flexibility of steel but that doesn’t make you “bad” at yoga. The person who can do a headstand for 3 minutes is no “better” at yoga than you – they simply spent months or years practicing a particular skill set that you haven’t attempted yet. Yoga encompasses everything from athletic vinyasa flow-style yoga to slow meditative yin-style yoga. You don’t have to love it all or even practice it all. Don’t give up just because your first class didn’t sit well with what your body was able to accomplish. Keep trying. You’ll find what works for you. Most people are showing up on their mats to practice something that makes them stronger, more flexible, and gives them greater peace of mind.

False! If you explore yoga’s beginnings, it was almost exclusively a men’s practice. Only since the westernization of yoga has it become a female-dominated pursuit. Additionally, in recent years the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB have introduced their players to yoga because the strength- and flexibility-enhancing practice makes them more effective and balanced athletes.

Most people in North America come to their mat in search of the physical practice and the benefits to their bodies without searching for the spiritual component. The larger tradition of yoga can certainly help with the breath and stimulating the mind/body connection that reduces stress, but not all yogis are concerned with the color of your aura. Yoga is good for your overall health – mind, body and spirit. When you have a regular yoga practice, you will notice an improvement in all areas of your body and life.

A small investment of approximately $50 is required:

• pair of comfortable stretchy pants
• one (1) yoga mat – various price points, but mid price range is $20

Props are optional but a great way to help ease your body into the poses, and bring the mat and floor closer to you:

• one (1) high density foam block – Length: 8.75 Inches, Height: 5.75 Inches, Width: 3 Inches. Can be found at Walmart, SportChek, Canadian Tire, Amazon for $10-$15. There are also cork blocks but I recommend a foam block for beginners as they are softer
• one (1) yoga strap – a belt or tie can also be used