Recent Q&A's

I recently received an e-mail from Shelby Mahoney in Dallas, Texas asking a question about yoga, I have included the question and answers below:

Q: Is it safe to practice yoga at home? I'm not great at the positions.

Answer: Yes, you can safely practice yoga at home, and there are a number of yoga DVD's hosted by expert instructors to guide you. Here are tips, plus video suggestions.

1) Stay within your limits. Stretching should not be painful. Modify movements if you're uncomfortable, and don't push yourself too hard before you are ready.

2) Control your breathing. Yoga relies on deep belly breathing, which can help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and clear your mind.

3) Purchase a good yoga mat. Try Natural Fitness Rubber Yoga Mats, although pricey but can be purchased at www.naturalfitness.com You'll use your mat for a long time, so in this sense invest in quality and don't look at the lowest price.

4) Video picks:

• Yoga for beginners with Desi Bartlett (can be purchased at www.acaciacatalog.com, price varies between $15-$20.)
• The Yoga Bootcamp Box (I highly suggest this) by Baron Baptiste, price ranges between $20 to $30 and can be purchased either online at www.barnesandnoble.com or in local stores, call the store to make sure they have the item first though.

I respond to 1 e-mail a week, so please if you have any questions regarding fitness, yoga, techniques, work-outs, routines, timing, etc. e-mail me at ejournoud@yahoo.com with a subject "Q&A" and see your question posted here with answers.