Frequently Asked Questions

Q) How can yoga help me?

A) Yoga will physically strengthen all major systems of the body, promoting physical strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga also helps to prevent chronic disease and injury, improves mental and psychological functioning by developing determination, concentration, patience, self control and peace of mind.

70% of all diseases are stress related. Clinical studies show that meditation, asana and breathing are powerful tools for stress reduction, as well as easing heart disease, high blood pressure, substance dependency, depression anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness and purpose in daily life.

The following abstracts were found on Medicine, the ultimate research tool for health professionals. In study after study, Yoga is found to be clearly beneficial in the following:

• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart disease recovery
• Weight loss
• General physiological well being

Q) Who can practice Yoga?

A) Yoga can be practiced by anyone, at any age, with any physical condition, depending on individual needs. For example, athletes and dancers can practice for restoring the energy and to improve stamina; housewives for rejuvenating the energy and to reduce fatigue; executives to give a break to the overworked mind; children to control the wandering mind, muscle toning, to improve memory and concentration; seniors to feel strong, and to improve memory. Yoga breathing techniques (Pranayama) are very powerful since they work as a tonic to reduce stress, insomnia, emotional imbalance, headaches, etc. Yoga, therefore is for all ages from 5 years to as long as we live.

Q) Will I lose weight doing Yoga?

A) The study shows that you will experience significant improvement in ideal body weight, body density, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic power as a result of yoga training.

If losing weight is your goal, add to your regular yoga practice a session of dynamic yoga that elevates your heart rate, along with strength training such as Swiss Ball exercises to increase muscle mass, walking and swimming and you will burn calories and fat faster and more efficiently.

Q) Will I lose weight working out on Swiss Ball?

A) Yes. By working out on Swiss Ball you will constantly be required to use your core musculature. Improved core stabilization not only protects you from injury but also results in aesthetic benefits of nicely toned abdominal and back musculature. But remember, the quest for a sensational body thats lean and strong will not happen overnight. Only patience, good sense and plenty of determination will get you there.

Q) How often should I do Yoga or Swiss Ball exercises?

A) To establish a successful exercise regime you must understand exactly what your expectations, reasons and goals are.

A combination of Yoga and Swiss Ball exercises will result in perfect balance between strength and flexibility. To exercise three times a week will give you moderate results. For life changing results you need to exercise every day or at least six times a week. But if you can't, don't feel guilty - it is better to exercise just a little and enjoy it, than not to exercise at all. After you reach your ideal fitness level, there is no harm in taking a few days off or a weeks rest if needed. Try to allocate 30 to 90 minutes for your routine.

It is very important to practice Yoga with a full mind. The best time to practice Yoga is either in the morning or in the evening on an empty stomach.

Q) What size Swiss Ball do I need?

A) Ideally, if a patient is sitting on the ball with feet flat, the hips and knees should form a 90 degree angle. For people with back pain or back pain history, a slightly larger ball is a better solution. A fully inflated ball challenges balance reactions more effectively and therefore is more suited for exercise than an under inflated ball