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Bill Berry, PhD
Facts About Yoga
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written
form as the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali (pronounced pa-tan-ja-li). Since the original work was in Sanskrit, there are many
translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb
"Asana" (pronounced ah-san-a), which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study
of asana and physical culture is called Hatha Yoga. There are possibly more people doing Hatha Yoga now in the
state of California than in the entire country of India.
Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do Yoga?
Certainly not. The goal of Yoga, according to the Yoga Sutras, is liberation (kaivalya), not to do the head stand or the
lotus pose. An intermediate step is to "Quiet the mind," something that most Westerners could certainly benefit from.
The Yoga poses that you use should be selected to fit your individual needs based on your physical and mental
condition, as well as your age.
What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
Perhaps the first and most profound benefit that most Westerners notice is stress reduction. The next benefit that all
physicians support is improved energy and circulation. Although Hatha Yoga does improve your flexibility, most people
are not aware that Yoga asanas are also good for strength. Practicing the asanas can improve strength, stamina,
flexibility and balance. With continued practice, most practitioners notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense of
improved well-being. The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight but the results are lasting.
Is Yoga safe?
In most cases, yes. However, if you select the wrong level of difficulty in a large group class and have some physical
limitations, you could have some problems. It is very important to be sure you are in the right class and inform the
instructor of any potential problems.
How do I find the right place to take a Yoga class?
One approach is to try several classes and compare. Most important is which place has the overall environment that
makes you feel most comfortable. There is a very wide spectrum of environments in Yoga classes. The biggest
differences are between the physical difficulty levels of the classes. You need to decide if you want your Yoga class to
be a work-out, a work-in, or
some where in-between. A good Yoga class should incorporate the concept of body, breath and mind. In no case
should you allow someone to push or intimidate you into doing something that does not feel intuitively right. Many
students are better off starting with individual instruction before joining a group class. There are currently no city, state
or federal guidelines for Yoga.
How often should I go to a Yoga class?
Ideally, at least two or three times per week. Some people keep their life on track and make some progress by
attending once a week and many people get really motivated by Yoga and come everyday. It depends on the person
and his or her needs. When working with an individual instructor, the combination of one formal class per week with the
student practicing regularly on his or her own can promote rapid progress.
Is Yoga co-ed?
Yes. On the average there are more women in Yoga classes than men; however some of the more physical Yoga
schools have an almost equal ratio.
How much does Yoga cost?
This depends on the setting. In a health club or community center where the student is already a paying member,
classes can vary from free to as low as $5 per class. Most Yoga centers average around $10 per class for a series of
classes or $15 for a one-time drop-in. You can do research by using the phone and the internet.
What do you wear to a Yoga class?
There is a wide variety of clothing worn in Yoga classes, depending on how physical the class is and the temperature of
the room. Women often wear leotards, shorts or sweats. Men often wear shorts or sweats. However, Yoga clothing, like
that of other fitness classes, is also a personal
expression .
How long should a Yoga class be?
The length of a Yoga class varies from 50 minutes to one and a half hours. Health clubs and corporate classes are
usually close to one hour. Yoga centers are usually one hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half long.
What about individual sessions?
One on one sessions are usually offered for people who uncomfortable about participating in a regular group classes
due to their physical condition or for personal reasons. Also, one on one instruction is tailored to the goals of the
individual and can provide faster progress by addressing his or her needs more directly.
Dr. Bill Berry has practiced yoga and meditation for over 30 years. He received his teacher training through the Living
Yoga Program at Barsana Dham near Austin Tx and is certified as a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.
He is available for group and individual instruction.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written
form as the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali (pronounced pa-tan-ja-li). Since the original work was in Sanskrit, there are many
translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb
"Asana" (pronounced ah-san-a), which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study
of asana and physical culture is called Hatha Yoga. There are possibly more people doing Hatha Yoga now in the
state of California than in the entire country of India.
Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do Yoga?
Certainly not. The goal of Yoga, according to the Yoga Sutras, is liberation (kaivalya), not to do the head stand or the
lotus pose. An intermediate step is to "Quiet the mind," something that most Westerners could certainly benefit from.
The Yoga poses that you use should be selected to fit your individual needs based on your physical and mental
condition, as well as your age.
What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
Perhaps the first and most profound benefit that most Westerners notice is stress reduction. The next benefit that all
physicians support is improved energy and circulation. Although Hatha Yoga does improve your flexibility, most people
are not aware that Yoga asanas are also good for strength. Practicing the asanas can improve strength, stamina,
flexibility and balance. With continued practice, most practitioners notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense of
improved well-being. The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight but the results are lasting.
Is Yoga safe?
In most cases, yes. However, if you select the wrong level of difficulty in a large group class and have some physical
limitations, you could have some problems. It is very important to be sure you are in the right class and inform the
instructor of any potential problems.
How do I find the right place to take a Yoga class?
One approach is to try several classes and compare. Most important is which place has the overall environment that
makes you feel most comfortable. There is a very wide spectrum of environments in Yoga classes. The biggest
differences are between the physical difficulty levels of the classes. You need to decide if you want your Yoga class to
be a work-out, a work-in, or
some where in-between. A good Yoga class should incorporate the concept of body, breath and mind. In no case
should you allow someone to push or intimidate you into doing something that does not feel intuitively right. Many
students are better off starting with individual instruction before joining a group class. There are currently no city, state
or federal guidelines for Yoga.
How often should I go to a Yoga class?
Ideally, at least two or three times per week. Some people keep their life on track and make some progress by
attending once a week and many people get really motivated by Yoga and come everyday. It depends on the person
and his or her needs. When working with an individual instructor, the combination of one formal class per week with the
student practicing regularly on his or her own can promote rapid progress.
Is Yoga co-ed?
Yes. On the average there are more women in Yoga classes than men; however some of the more physical Yoga
schools have an almost equal ratio.
How much does Yoga cost?
This depends on the setting. In a health club or community center where the student is already a paying member,
classes can vary from free to as low as $5 per class. Most Yoga centers average around $10 per class for a series of
classes or $15 for a one-time drop-in. You can do research by using the phone and the internet.
What do you wear to a Yoga class?
There is a wide variety of clothing worn in Yoga classes, depending on how physical the class is and the temperature of
the room. Women often wear leotards, shorts or sweats. Men often wear shorts or sweats. However, Yoga clothing, like
that of other fitness classes, is also a personal
expression .
How long should a Yoga class be?
The length of a Yoga class varies from 50 minutes to one and a half hours. Health clubs and corporate classes are
usually close to one hour. Yoga centers are usually one hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half long.
What about individual sessions?
One on one sessions are usually offered for people who uncomfortable about participating in a regular group classes
due to their physical condition or for personal reasons. Also, one on one instruction is tailored to the goals of the
individual and can provide faster progress by addressing his or her needs more directly.
Dr. Bill Berry has practiced yoga and meditation for over 30 years. He received his teacher training through the Living
Yoga Program at Barsana Dham near Austin Tx and is certified as a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.
He is available for group and individual instruction.