FAQs:
Q: I’m not sure I’m doing it right. How do i know what the pose is supposed to look like?
A: Easy! Click here (cdguide.pdf) to download a PDF with diagrams of all the poses on the CD (You’ll need Acrobat Reader for this).
Q: I’m getting the shakes in some poses... why!?!?
A: Usually getting the shakes means that you’re holding the pose for too long or that you’re working too hard in it. Ease up! Either come out of the pose or don’t go so deep into it, remember, yoga is about listening to your own body.
Q: What if I'm not very flexible?
A: Many people think that you have to be able to put both feet behind your head to do yoga, but really, even if you can't touch your toes you can still do it. Yoga is about adapting the pose to suit your body and what it can do. With more practice you're likely to become more flexible.
Q: How can you learn yoga through a CD?
A: The CD is a guided class with the poses explained so simply that even if you have no previous yoga experience, you should find it easy to follow (it was tested on a bunch of surfers who'd never tried yoga before). So, for example, on the CD you'll hear something like, "Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and, finding an inhaling breath, bring both hands, palms together, at the chest", so it is pretty easy to follow... if you're having any problems, we' re only ever an email away or you can check out the quicktime movies, or download the guide (above).
We felt that it was better for people to work at their own level with a CD (which is often more accessible than a DVD player), rather than to compare themselves to the form of any of our instructors, who have all been practising yoga for years. By simply listening, rather than watching, its easier to tune into your own body, which is what its all about really...
Q: Why are there different sorts of yoga? Which one is the "real" yoga?
A: Just like there are different sorts of waves and boards to ride them, so there are different forms of yoga, each one for different personalities and body types. There is no "real" yoga, as each teacher interprets the teachings and poses differently and adapts them to suit your body. Just try a few different styles and see what works for you.
Q: How long and how often should I practice?
A: A little each day is better than a big session once a week, but just do what works for you. 1/2 hour a day would be great, but don't judge yourself too harshly if you can't fit it in.
Q: Is yoga a religion?
A: Nope, you can practice yoga no matter what your spiritual beliefs are...
Our Up/Down Dog Flow...
It's great for working the arms, shoulders and lower back so try and repeat it about 3-5 times..
Take care not to crank your neck, look to the ground or straight ahead.!
Its a big file so if you have dial-up, it may take a while... please be patient.
Ride the wave... and let YOGA take your SURFING to another level
Only got a couple of minutes? Check out the short sequence below...
PRACTICE HINTS:
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Don't eat 1 1/2 hours before practice, you may get sick.
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Wear comfy, loose fitting clothes. Boardies and a singlet work well.
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Have a cushion and a blanket (or sarong) handy.
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Try to practice a little bit each day, rather that lots, once or twice a week.
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Attempt to be process orientated rather than goal orientated, this means, try not to focus on what you did in your practice last time, but be aware of where your body is at right NOW. Just do what you can.
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Find the blend between effort and ease, work in the poses but NEVER move into pain. Work with your edge. This is the point where we begin to feel the effect of the pose, but not a point of pain. Pain is bad!
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Yes, it sounds weird, but don't forget to breathe! Generally, we inhale on backbends and exhale with forward bends. Try and link each movement with your breath. If you are aware of your breath, those big hold-downs don't seem quite so scary...
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If you have any health problems or injuries ALWAYS talk to your yoga teacher, doctor or physio first to see what is best for your body.
