PULSE / Health
In your mind, what sets yoga apart from other forms of exer-
cise? You’re combining physical movement with the mind. Some people combine mind and exercise whenever they work out, but that’s the individual doing it, not the exercise on its own. I’ve met people who exercised in different ways, but when they also started practicing yoga, they began finding those “mindful” benefits during their other exercise as well. Your breath, body and mind are all doing the same thing at the same time – something we very rarely do in life. It feels so great because it’s done so infrequently.
Yoga Interview by: Nathan Steere M
any people are familiar with yoga and its benefits, but still think of it as being too difficult, too easy, or even too “spiritual.” However, if you want to improve your
health and overall wellness, at least trying yoga is a strong first step. To learn more, Pulse spoke via phone with Carla Olla, owner of Love Yoga Center in Naples.
What is yoga exactly? Yoga is union with God, and God is who paints the flowers and makes the birds sing! I know that answer sounds a little out there, but I’m actually speaking with you today from India! Traveling through this country changes your entire perspective on yoga, so at the moment I’m really wound up about it. To me, yoga is all about connections, and the biggest connection is with nature; to look at a creek, or at a sunset, and to feel that connection. Since starting yoga, I now feel that connection with people as well.
Newcomers can be intimidated by the variety of yoga practices;
can you recommend a specific style of yoga for beginners? No! I think everyone should experiment as much as possible. Like you said, there are all different types and when you find the right one and the right teacher, you’ll know! There are so many different styles be- cause there are so many personalities. Yoga is like music in that way – no one style is better, but different sounds resonate with different people. I have my opinion, but respect the opinion of others.
Yoga is great for flexibility, but what are some other, lesser known benefits? One of the biggest benefits is that it promotes good self esteem. I think yoga builds courage, and that comes through physically building strength and flexibility. Some of the more advanced poses might seem impossible at first, but eventually when you’re ready your teacher will lead you through them. Successfully doing something that you thought you couldn’t do gives you that strength of mind as well as body.
18 | Pulse Magazine SWFL
What are some of the myths and misconceptions about yoga? That it’s difficult – some poses are hard, but there’s a place for every- one to begin. That it’s girly – yoga was started by men, and for a long time women weren’t even allowed to participate. That it doesn’t build strength – I never had muscles before starting yoga. That you have to be fit to begin with – I’ve taught a 99 year old woman in my classes. Yes, it was chair yoga, but it was yoga. Not everyone will be able to do every pose, but everyone can complete a full practice at their own level. A good teacher can teach anyone.
At first yoga might seem strange with its unusual names for poses, and slow, deliberate pace. How do you help new students get past that initial hesitation? Once you start practicing yoga, it doesn’t seem strange. A lot of the movements are things that you did as a kid, but then stopped because they don’t seem “cool” anymore as the years
past.Most yoga poses are based in natural movements; some of the more intricate ones clearly aren’t, but overall movements are flowing and feel very natural.
What about readers who are stiff, overweight or totally out of the fitness loop? Can they still benefit or should they focus on getting in better shape first? Start now, yoga is perfect! I started because I hurt my back. Not ev- ery class is appropriate for beginners and you need to find the level that you’re ready for. Granted, individuals who are severely unhealthy might need to focus on the basics of good health first. But if you’re in good enough physical condition to get out of the house, there is a yoga practice that’s right for you.
How often a week should one practice? Every day! New students typically start with only once or twice a week, but eventually it becomes an everyday practice. I always recommend yoga seven days a week, even if it’s not a full practice. Take a few mo- ments for yourself and run through some poses.
Any parting comments? People are drawn to yoga because it is also a community. Students of- ten tell me that just by coming to class every week, they feel like they’ve made a new group of friends. We’re all very welcoming, and that mat- ters. If you’re worried about feeling left out or left to do your own thing, it’s not like that at all. Yogis are generally friendly, outgoing, happy individuals, and we love to meet new people. Love Yoga Center has famous guest instructors all the time which brings a whole other di- mension to yoga in Naples. This area is becoming a draw for those “big name” teachers and a destination for those in the yoga community.
Where can interested readers learn more? Visit
www.LoveYogaCenter.com for more general information, plus class and workshop schedules... or just stop by the studio! I’m always there at least half an hour before class starts and happy to talk. Love Yoga also offers yoga certification training every year, so if students want to go even deeper, they are welcome to sign up for teacher classes in January. I love training new instructors – my students are so impor- tant to me that I find it gratifying to know the other yoga teachers out there are the best that they can be!
Love Yoga Center 4949 Tamiami Trail #204 – Naples, FL 34103
studio: (239) 692-9747 /
www.LoveYogaCenter.com
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