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Catarina Esteves
Feb 75 min read

Answering the most frequently asked questions about Yoga

Updated: Mar 4

The Yoga industry is vast and if you're new, I'm sure it can be confusing and intimidating, so in this blog post I'm answering 7 of the most frequently questions asked about Yoga.


I checked with my followers on social media, my members in class, and online to see recurrent topics and these were the mostly commonly mentioned.



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These are the most frequently asked questions about Yoga:


#1 What are the health benefits of practising Yoga?

There are many, and in this page, I highlight and explain 9 of them.


Yoga not only positively impacts the body, but also the mind and overall wellbeing, so some of the benefits include stress reduction, anxiety prevention, improved flexibility and mobility, and a better quality of life.


#2 How do I get started with yoga, especially as a beginner?

I know that starting something for the first time feels daunting and the Yoga industry can be overwhelming, but you actually don't need anything - probably just a Yoga mat, but if that is not convenient for you, a simple towel also works.


So I wouldn't overthink.


I would start by checking a few Yoga studios close by and explore the option of practising Yoga online.


Shop around and see if something resonates.


It's important, especially as a beginner, to find a teacher you connect with and whom you trust.


I offer a 12-week Yoga for Beginners course online that you're welcome to check here. The program was created with complete beginners in mind and is structured so we build on the practice step-by-step, avoiding overwhelm.


As for establishing a regular yoga practice, I would try to practice always in the same place and at the same time - this allows for the habit to be established. Signing up for Yoga classes with a friend or a loved one can also be a good idea because you'll help each other be accountable.


#3 What type of yoga is best for me?

This question is in some ways connected to the one above. My honest answer?


Don't focus too much on styles, instead, look for a studio (physical or online) you feel comfortable in and a teacher you resonate with.


Yoga is a deeply personal practice, so it's better that you align with the values of what you're taught in class rather than going by the labels you see online.


#4 Can yoga help with specific health conditions or injuries?

Yes, it can. My students come often to me struggling with chronic stress and fatigue, arthritis, and back and neck pain, but Yoga helps with a variety of conditions, not just physical but mental as well.


Yoga can also be a powerful tool to heal trauma as long as you practice with a teacher that knows how to honour your healing journey and properly holds the space.


If you do have a health concern and are worried whether Yoga is suitable for you, the best thing you can do is to check in with your Yoga teacher and provide them with as many details about it as possible. This way, we will know how to guide you and support you so you can practice safely and comfortably.


#5 How often should I practice yoga for optimal benefits?

As long as you keep it consistent, there are no specific guidelines on the amount of hours for Yoga to work.


If you're new to Yoga, it's probably best that you start small so you don't overcommit and end up dropping the practice.


Practising Yoga for 1 hour every week is enough, so start there. If 1 hour is too long, practice for 30 minutes but keep it consistent.


As you get used to the practice you may then start practising Yoga more regularly and develop your own individual daily practice. For example, I meditate daily, morning and evening, and join a 90-minute yoga class every week.


#6 What books would you recommend for Yoga beginners?

This will depend on your interests because Yoga is so vast, but below is a list with a few books I thought covered Yoga well and are written in a simple way suitable for absolute beginners:



#7 Can Yoga be a source of positive vibes?

Yes, and there is a scientific reason for it - during a Yoga class, you produce and release 4 "feel-good" hormones that boost feelings of happiness and wellness, they are:


  • Serotonin - is a natural mood booster and anti-depressant. The majority of the anti-depressants work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. ⁠ During a Yoga class, Serotonin is released when we move mindfully in Yoga Āsana, meditate, and relax in Yoga Nidra. ⁠


  • Endorphins - are natural pain relievers that we release during meditation and Prānāyāma (conscious and calming breathing exercises)⁠


  • Dopamine - is a neurotransmitter connected with feelings of pleasure and the brain’s reward system. ⁠ In a yoga class, dopamine is mostly released during Yoganidrā (or Yoga Nidra), relaxation techniques that promote deep rest and a complete restoration of the body and mind. ⁠


  • Oxytocin - is the hormone of love and much like Serotonin and Endorphins, promotes positive feelings. ⁠ In yoga classes, we release Oxytocin when we breathe deeply and slowly warming the body temperature. Moving slowly and mindfully in yoga poses also helps release this hormone.


 

The questions I mention here were some of the comments and doubts I saw mentioned online most often, I hope they help you feel more confident about Yoga and encourage you to give it a try, because there's nothing quite like experiencing it.


If you have additional questions or would like a clarification on what you've read today, the chat function on this website and the comment section is always open, so please ask away :)


I'm also on Instagram, TikTok and Threads @yogaful.studio, so if you'd like to know more about Yoga or myself, please do reach out and connect.


I would love to have you there!

Cat x


 

About the author

Hi! I'm Cat, the founder of Yogaful Studio. My mission is to support you calm your busy mind and guide you towards your best, most authentic life - with less stress, more purpose, joy, and love.


​So if you have a demanding job and a hectic life running miles an hour, Yogaful Studio is the place for your to find rest, balance, and peace.


Learn more about how you can practice Yoga with me below.





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