Should I lose weight before I attempt yoga?

Answer: The yoga practice is for EVERY BODY. Come as you are. If your desire and intention is to lose weight, yoga can help in that process. I do suggest consulting with a physician before attempting any vigorous exercise, including yoga.

Why Do Yoga?

Answer: There are many reasons why people decide to practice yoga. It relieves stress, helps you to gain strength and flexibility. It can help you focus and balance. People practice yoga to improve their athleticism, to compliment their gym workouts, to gain peace of mind, to help deal with the kids! In a nut shell, yoga is good for just about everything we do in our lives. I like to define yoga as a physical practice that brings us to greater awareness of ourselves. With the use of breath, we become more mindful and conscious of our being. It is with this attention to ourselves that we experience the benefits listed above. The breath, complimented with yoga postures, guides us toward greater connection to our physical and spiritual being. Namaste.

What Is Yoga?

Answer: Yoga is an ancient Indian physical exercise that dates back to at least 3,000 years. Yoga is mostly associated with the practice of postures as a form of exercise. Although there are many branches or types of yoga, a common yoga style we see in this modern age is Hatha Yoga. I like to define Hatha Yoga simply as the combination of breath and movement. This forms the base of the yoga practice that is said to lead one to a profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence. I practice and teach what is called Power Yoga. Power Yoga is a general term used in the West to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style Most Power Yoga is modeled after the Ashtanga style of the yoga practice. Ok…so what is vinyasa and Ashtanga. Vinyasa simply means “flow.” As the yoga postures are put together, they seem to flow from one to the other in a fluid fashion. Ashtanga means “eight limbs” which refers to the eight limbs of yoga. (I’ll talk about this is in another article.) Ashtanga yoga builds strength, flexibility, and stamina. The Primary Series of Ashtanga consists of about 75 poses beginning with sun salutations (more on that later), standing poses, seated poses, inversions, backbends, and relaxation. I also like to think of Power Yoga as a practice that allows us to face challenging postures that reflect the challenges we face in our everyday lives. In the practice, we discover that we are able to break through barriers, castaway our limitations, and rejoice in success. Power Yoga is a wonderful workout for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Namaste.

Can i do yoga if I'm not flexible?

Answer: Yes. Yoga is a physical exercise that will improve your overall flexibility. You don't have to be flexible to do yoga, you get flexible doing yoga!

What is Yoga Life Coaching?

Answer: Not only can you practice yoga to improve your flexibility and balance. Through Yoga Life Coaching with John Cottrell, PhD, experience greater confidence in yourself, guide your life toward greater success, become more skilled at focusing your thoughts and positive aspirations. Deal with emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. Make better life choices in relationships, careers, nutrition, and health.