Yoga by Sarkar, Anjali A.;

Short description:

An ideal resource for teens and young adults interested in incorporating a yoga practice into their lives, this book answers readers' questions about the origins, benefits, and potential risks of yoga and offers practical advice for getting started.

Long description:

An ideal resource for teens and young adults interested in incorporating a yoga practice into their lives, this book answers readers' questions about the origins, benefits, and potential risks of yoga and offers practical advice for getting started.

First developed in northern India more than 5,000 years ago, yoga is now practiced around the world. It can improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. As with any form of exercise, however, it can lead to injury if done incorrectly. For anyone interested in trying yoga for the first time, it's important to find a style and qualified instructor that are a good fit for their individual needs and goals.

Part of Bloomsbury's Q&A Health Guides series, Yoga: Your Questions Answered follows a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers' needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. Each book in the series also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet - important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.

Table of Contents:

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Series Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Guide to Health Literacy
Common Misconceptions about Yoga

Questions and Answers
General Information
1. What is yoga?
2. Is yoga a religion? Do I have to follow a certain religion to do yoga?
3. What do some of the Sanskrit words used in yoga class mean, like ""Namaste"" and ""Om/Aum""? Is it necessary for me to remember the names of poses?
4. What is pranayama?
5. When and where did people first begin practicing yoga, and when did it come to the United States?
6. What are the different types of yoga?
7. Are there scientific or medical studies that show the efficacy of yoga?

Benefits
8. Why should I practice yoga?
9. How can yoga help me find balance in life?
10. I'm an insomniac. Can yoga help me sleep better?
11. I have ADHD. Can yoga help me cope better?
12. How can yoga help me get better grades?
13. Which yoga poses treat adrenal fatigue and chronic stress?
14. Which poses prevent lower back pain?
15. Why do I feel a ""yoga high"" after class?
16. Is practicing yoga during pregnancy beneficial for delivery?
17. Will yoga help me get better at sports?
18. What impact does yoga have on flexibility? Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
19. Is yoga a good way to improve muscle strength?
20. Is yoga beneficial for losing weight?

Risks and Concerns
21. What should I do if I feel physical discomfort or pain in a yoga pose?
22. Why do my joints pop during practice?
23. Why do I get dizzy during yoga?
24. Why do my muscles shake or tremble during yoga?
25. Why am I not supposed to eat two to three hours before yoga practice? How do I manage my diet to get maximum benefit from my yoga practice?
26. Is it safe to practice inversions?
27. Should I practice yoga if I'm on my period?
28. Is it safe to practice yoga after an injury?
29. What injuries are most likely to occur if yoga is done incorrectly?
30. Does greater flexibility lead to greater risk of injury?
31. How do I know if I'm pushing myself too hard?

How to Practice Yoga
32. How do I know what type of yoga is best for me?
33. How do I know I'm ready for pranayama practice?
34. Should I learn yoga from a book, an online course, a group class, or a private class?
35. What should I look for in a yoga teacher?
36. How do I begin, maintain, and grow my yoga practice?
37. How frequently should I practice yoga or take classes?
38. What should I wear to yoga class?
39. What should I eat to aid my yoga practice?
40. How should I sequence yoga poses in my practice?
41. What types of hands-on assists should I expect from my teacher in yoga class?
42. How do I respond to hands-on adjustments in a yoga class?
43. How can I get more comfortable sitting cross-legged? Can I still do yoga if I cannot sit cross-legged?
44. What is the best time and place to practice yoga? Should I practice yoga in front of a mirror?
45. What equipment do I need at home for my yoga practice and why?
46. Do I need to lose weight or be more flexible before I can start practicing yoga?
47. How can I get started if I'm too shy or nervous or physically unable to attend a group class?
48. How do I improve my posture using yoga?
49. How can I incorporate mudras into my yoga practice?

Case Studies
Glossary
Directory of Resources
Index