Yoga FAQs For Beginners
In Yoga FAQs we have listed the most frequently asked questions about yoga by beginners. These questions are of generic nature and are applicable to most of the people.
If you feel there is any question which needs to be included here, please feel free to submit your questions. Click here to Write Your Yoga FAQ.
You can also go through the FAQs asked by our site visitors listed at the bottom of this page and add your comments.
However, if you have any specific questions you must ask your yoga instructor. Do not start a yoga practice without clearing all your doubts.
Browse Yoga FAQs
What is the age limit for doing yoga?
There is no upper age limit for yoga practice. You can start even at 30 or 60 years of age and can continue up to 100 years or more. Children can start yoga from 12 years of age.
Can I do yoga only if I am completely fit?
A young person with no known medical history can take up any yoga pose or asana. But if you are having a medical problem, consult your doctor/ yoga instructor for the yoga asanas appropriate to your health. Yoga exercises for relaxation and pranayama like shava asana, bal asana, yoga nidra, rhythmic breathing and alom vilom can be generally done by all irrespective of age and health (if you cannot sit, you can do all the above mentioned asanas lying down).
Will I have to become a Hindu to do yoga?
Though yoga and hinduism are closely linked, any person need not become a Hindu to do yoga. Yoga is a philosophy which primarily aids the spiritual progress of a person. Yoga does not involve idol worship, special deity or specific rituals to follow. God has given all of us the same body and yoga is beneficial to all mankind irrespective of country, race or sex.
Can I start yoga practice by online instructions or reading books?
Yes you can start with pranayama and easy yoga poses. When you start doing yoga you can seek help to select your yoga sequence in accordance with your age, physical condition and medical history. Start with asanas which you feel are comfortable for you.
Do I have to stop taking alcoholic drinks/ non veg for doing yoga?
As per yoga philosophy, alcoholic drinks/ non veg are to be avoided. But as a beginner you can have it in moderation. Excess of drinks or non veg diet may not give you appreciable benefits from yoga practice. If you become regular in yoga practice for some time, you may not need either of them.
Why moderation is recommended in yoga?
In yoga practice, ultimate aim is to rein in the wandering mind. You have to look for happiness inwards. Therefore, it is recommended not to be a slave of habits. Do not go overboard for anything, practice moderation in talking, sleeping, eating or sex.
What is the ideal time for yoga?
Ideal time for yoga is one to two hours before sunrise. You may carry out yoga in the evening provided you have not eaten anything for last 3 to 4 hours. It is best to do yoga empty stomach, but you can have lime juice or tea 30 minutes prior to yoga practice.
What type of diseases yoga can cure?
Yoga will harmonise your body, make your body strong from within and help in curing most of lifestyle diseases. Do not think of yoga as a means to cure a particular disease. Yoga will improve fitness levels for whole body.
Can yoga provide fitness?
Do you do yoga regularly and take care of your diet? You will be able to cope up with stress and avoid life style diseases like obesity, hypertension, insomnia and cancer etc.
How much time should I be able to spare for yoga?
Generally you should spare 30 minutes to one hour for yoga. After some time, you will feel so good while doing yoga that you will enjoy it and will forget about time.
What are the benefits of doing yoga?
Yoga is a scientific system which improves your blood circulation, tones up your digestive systems, endocrine systems, provide more oxygen to your body. Yoga benefits your mind body and soul.
What are the health benefits of pranayama?
It improves your blood circulation, is very good for heart and improves your mental health (provides peace of mind). Read more about benefits of pranayama
What are the general guidelines for starting yoga?
There are certain guidelines for yoga asanas and guidelines for pranayama which can help beginners.
More Yoga FAQs By Our Visitors
Some of the questions asked by our site visitors have become very popular and are listed below.
Foods to eat before and after yoga
Precautions for pranayama practice
Triphala powder for weight loss
Kapalabhati pranayama and conceiving process
Postpartum yoga after cesarean delivery
Kapalabhati and high blood pressure
These yoga FAQs are supposed to answer most of the common questions about yoga. In case you want more yoga tips and information subscribe to free yoga newsletter
Do You Want to Ask a Frequently Asked Question on Yoga? Ask Here
This is the place where you can ask a question about yoga? A simple doubt you wanted to clear?
I will give you an answer or help you solve the problem. It's free and it's easy to do.
For your questions, I will make a separate page for you on this site. Just fill in the form below, then click on "Submit About Your Health" so that I can build your page.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Is it necessary to clean bowel before yoga asana? 
I recently started doing yoga exercises like surya namaskar,and other exercise and at last I do kapalbhati and anulom vilom.
I do not have fixed timing …
Doubts About Yoga
Hello. I am 42 years old women with hypothyroidism since 2 years on medication. From few years my motion is always incomplete but I try to pass everyday. …
Yoga For Calcification in Urinary bladder
Namaste. I am a 38 year old female and have 2.3 by 2.2 by 3.2 cm of calcification in Urinary Bladder. I had a CT scan and as per CT scan it does not look …
Migraine and Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Hello Sir, I am Arun and I am suffering from migraine for past 5 months. My age is 30 years. I was told by one yoga teacher to do anulom-vilom to get rid …
Yoga or Walking Which Is Better
Sir. I am regularly walking for 45 minutes and doing basic yoga asanas for 30 minutes. I want to know which is more beneficial. If yoga is better than …
Nap After Yoga Practice
Hello. I started doing for just one month. After finishing yoga I feel like sleeping. When I take a nap after yoga I really feel fresh. Is it good taking …
Pranayama And Aerobic Exercise
Hello. I am a 55 years old woman. I practice Anulom-Vilom and Kapalbhati for about 10 minutes each. On some days, I bike outside for an hour(low speed), …
Can I Do Yoga After Bath?
Can I do yoga after bath?
Answer
There are people who take bath before yoga practice and some people prefer to do yoga, take rest and then take …
Yoga For People Working In Night Shift
I work in night shift. I reach home around 4.15 AM. I got to get up at 7:30 AM to drop kids to school I get freed at 9 AM. Then I need to be ready to …
Duration of Sirshasana
Please let me know is it okay to breathe while doing Sirshasana or else have to hold the breath ? And also let me know how long I will have to be in this …
Feeling Sleepy After Yoga Practice
I practice yoga but I feel sleepy after doing pranayama. For example, if I do yoga in morning I feel sleepy after going to office. I do not know the reason. …
Kapalbhati
I have been doing Kapalbhati for some time now and have also been advocating to others to ensure good health and fitness. But of late, I have been coming …
Breathing Problems During Pranayama
I am unable to do breathing exercise more than 1-2 minutes.
I want to increase my breathing speed. I feel very uncomfortable while doing breathing …
Do we gain weight if we stop doing yoga regularly?
I will do yoga for weight loss. My query is do I gain weight again if I stop doing yoga? What is the exercises suggested not to gain weight after stopping …
Yoga Asanas For A Healthy Person
Dear Sir, please enlighten me as to what are the Yoga Asanas which a healthy person should include in his schedule for a healthy body, mind and soul? My …
Yoga Asanas After Hernia Surgery
I had surgery of inguinal hernia before 5 months so I want to ask that can I do yogasanas now which needs much stretching.
Answer
You should …
Yoga To Include Spiritual / Mental Progress
Spiritual and mental progress is as, if not more, important than the physical progress for me. Can you advise the most efficient and appropriate way in …
Anxiety Disorder
I am having an anxiety disorder. I undergo fear, loud heart beats, headache, giddiness etc. I have started doing yoga. I have been doing pranayam(anulom …
Studies Burnout and Yoga
Hello.. I am Tushaar. I had a burnout as I am nearly studying 15 hours a day for last 5 months as my psychologist told me. I was under massive amount of …
What Are Best Yoga Poses For Reducing Hypertension And Anxiety?
Hi, I am Abhishek, 23 years of age. I have had a problem of getting hypertensed at times and anxious where there is no need of it. In other words, I feel …
Kapalbhati Pranayama And Conceiving Process
Hello.. I have one question regarding pranayama. Someone told me that Kapalabhati Pranayama will have bad affect if u want a baby. Will it effect the conceivation …
Drinking Water Before Pranayama
Hello, I am Poonam. First of all, I want to tell that your website is very very helpful. I would like to ask a question regarding pranayama. Is it ok to …
Does Yoga Cure Diabetes and Hypertension?
Does yoga cure diabeties and hypertension. How does it work? How long it takes to see the difference? What is the recommended duration of yoga practice. …
Pranayama and Hypertension
When having hypertension you are advising not to do pranayama exercise and also mention it is good for hypertension etc. I will be much thankful if you …
Yoga before or after walking
I am 37 years old and have high blood pressure. I do walking daily on jogger for half hour in the morning. When should I do meditation, pranayama & asanas …
Query Regarding Suryabhedi Chandrabhedi and Anulom-Vilom 
Question:
In Suryabhedi pranayama,you have to inhale from right nostril and exhale from left nostril. Chandrabhedi pranayam is just opposite of it. …
Two Doubts About Yoga
I will be very greatful to you if you answer may two questions. I have heard that yoga helps a lot for healthy mind and body and I want to practice yoga …
Did not get my periods? Not rated yet
Hello
I am having PCOS problem in my left ovary but not in severe state. I conceived my first child with PCOS by taking medication which led to a healthy …
Nap After Pranayama Not rated yet
Can I take a nap of about 50 to 60 min after completing pranayama?
I feel like taking a nap after I finish my pranayam routine. Can I straight away …
High BP And Sciatica Problem Not rated yet
I have been suffering from disc bulge as the gap has been reduced at L3,L4.L5 vertebrates due to which I developed sciatica in my left leg. I cannot walk …
Sequence Of Pranayams Not rated yet
Hello. I am a 52 yrs old man getting ayurvedic treatment for prostate enlargement. My treatment includes medicines and pranayams.
I was advised by my …
Right Room Temperature For Doing Yoga Not rated yet
What is the right room temperature for doing yoga? I have problems with teachers not having the room warm. My body hurts and will not relax to stretch …
Post Operative Yoga Practice Not rated yet
I have been operated for an ovarian cyst and the uterus removal. Its been 3 months now. What yoga postures can I do in my present health condition?
…
Can 60 Years Old Woman Do Yoga Daily? Not rated yet
A woman of 60 is interested to do yoga. She is fat, is she fit for yoga on daily basis?
Answer
1. From your question, it is understood that a woman …
Clarification about Palming Not rated yet
When you rub your hands & keep them on eyes, are we to keep eyes open or close?
Answer
You can close your eyes while palming the eyes. Sit comfortably …
Household Work Versus Yoga Not rated yet
Is doing household work enough as an exercise or yoga is necessary?
Answer
Housewives may be doing their daily routine work but it cannot become …
Starting Yoga And Mastering Advanced Asanas At 37 Years Not rated yet
Can I start yoga at age 37 and still master the advanced asanas?
Answer
Yes, you can very well start yoga at 37 years and master advanced yoga …
Observing of Breath Not rated yet
Sir, I am new to yoga. I don't understand or I am unable to visualize about observing breath. Please tell me the better ways I can do this observing breath …
How Much Time Should I Sleep? Not rated yet
How much time should I sleep as per Yoga?
Answer
Whether you do yoga or not, all adults must take seven to eight hours of sleep.
Most of …
Moderation in Yoga And Goal Achivement Not rated yet
Yoga emphasises on moderation in everything. How does this helps one to achieve the goals one want to achieve in life?
Answer
Here we are dealing …
Dance Practise Before or After Yoga? Not rated yet
I am a dance learner. I have planned some heavy dance stretches. So I have a doubt that I do my yoga after dance or before dance?
Answer
You …
Can We Put AC ON While Practicing Yoga Not rated yet
The weather in which I am practising yoga is very hot. Without Airconditioner (AC) it is really difficult to workout and I am fully drained out due to …
Asana And Pranayam For 35 Minutes Not rated yet
Since I cannot spare spare more than thirty five minutes a day for practicing yoga so it is not possible to do too many asanas and pranayams. Please help …
Relaxation At The End Of Yoga Workout Not rated yet
What is the name of the relaxation done at the end of the yoga work out?
answer
Hello Lenore
At the end of the yoga practice, the relaxation …
Sitting On Your Legs Not rated yet
I am 65 years old and have just started at beginner yoga, I am trying to do the beginner sit where you sit back on your legs with your toes together. I …
Daily Yoga Practice Not rated yet
Why should we practice regularly? Does it mean practicing for a month and then not practicing it for 1 or 2 days cause results in the loss of benefits? …
Yoga Time For Working Women Not rated yet
I am non vegetarian and I am a working woman and I am really very interested in doing yoga. I have my food by 1:30 pm. I want to do yoga by 3:30 PM with …
Duration Of A Particular Asana Not rated yet
I would like to know if duration of asana has any effect on benefits of that particular asana. For instance would the benefits of holding Halasana pose …
Yoga For Other Person Not rated yet
My basic question is can a person perform yoga for other person without knowing to the original person.
My friend has been affected seriously by his …
Time gap between yoga and sleep? Not rated yet
If i do yoga in the evening, how much time gap should be there between doing yoga and going to sleep at night?
Answer
There must be two to three …
How Can I Solve The Problem Of Obesity With Yoga? Not rated yet
My age is 17 and I am pretty fat for my age. How can I reduce my weight with yoga? Which asanas are good for this?
Answer
At your age losing weight …
Hypertension And Pranayama Not rated yet
I am writing from Cochin, Kerala. Last year Yogrishi Ramadev came here and took camp. I also attended the camp in Cochin. But I could not ask this question …
Time Between Yoga Practice And Breakfast Not rated yet
Can I do yoga 30 minutes before taking breakfast?
Answer
What you mean to say is that can you eat 30 minutes after your yoga practice?
If …
Can We Do Yoga On Bare Floor Not rated yet
Why yoga should not be practiced on bare floor?
Answer
It is not advisable to practice yoga on bare floor. Always use a good quality yoga mat …
What To Do While Doing Yoga With My Glasses? Not rated yet
I am a myopic. I wear glasses of -2.0 number. Do I have to wear them while doing yoga or is it ok without them?
Answer
While doing yoga asanas or …
BP AND BREATHING EXERCISE Not rated yet
I am 51 years of age having high BP for last 5 years. For last few days, I am doing breathing excercises while walking. I inhale for 3 to 4 steps and …
Can I do yoga? Not rated yet
I am 26 years old female. I am underweight. Can I do yoga?
Answer
As long as you are physically fit, there is no harm in doing yoga. Just check …
Yoga During Menstruation Not rated yet
I would like to ask one question whether Alom Vilom (Breathing exercise) be done during Period time?
Shanthi
Answer
Yes, you can do alom vilom …
Repetition of Asanas Not rated yet
I was reading about (for example)Tada Asana, it recommends to repeat 2-3 times, then progressing to walking on toes etc. My question is, is it beneficial …
Recent Articles
-
Online Healing Yoga Consultation for Holistic Health Management
Jan 07, 22 02:05 PM
Healing Yoga Consultation by an experienced yoga therapist -
Online Yoga Classes for Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation
Jun 06, 21 01:39 PM
Online Yoga Classes by an Experienced Yoga Therapist -
Drinking 1.2 liters of water in empty stomach to clean the bowels is it correct and safe in long run
Oct 20, 20 03:25 PM
Namaskar, Daily morning in empty stomach I am drinking 1.2 liters of water then waiting for 45 minutes, then only able to go toilet but without any strain.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.