1. Is Ashtanga Yoga for everyone?

At Ashtanga Yoga with Marc Potter (AYMP) we make it possible for just about anyone to learn yoga. As long as you have enthusiasm we can teach you. You want to learn with us because we are not like any other yoga school or studio you have come across. Our emphasis is always on you getting the best. If you can come across anyone who offers a better service than us we give you your money back.

2. How often should I practice Ashtanga Yoga?

The answer is easy. How often does the body need movement and the mind need relaxing everyday? Anyone who is in great shape will do some form of physical activity everyday. Anyone who is great mental shape will partake in activities that allow their mind to practice concentration everyday. It is the same with yoga, for the best results do yoga everyday. If you can’t practice yoga everyday, try doing at least a little every second day. It’s human nature to try and take the easy way out. Take care of your body. Health is wealth. Do no yoga and things will stay the same.

3. Will I be able to practice yoga at home on my own?

Absolutely. Not only at home on your own, at the beach, on holidays, in the garden, wherever you want. This is the beauty of Ashtanga yoga although nothing can replace having a awesome teacher, if you learn it correctly Ashtanga doesn’t depend on you having a teacher in the room for you to bring its amazing benefits into your life. We will teach you very easy Ashtanga yoga sequences that can be practiced anywhere, anytime without a teacher to guide you.

4. How long should I practice for?

As long as you need to – this is a bit like the“How long is a piece of string?” question. You need to assess what you want to get from your yoga and what kind of results you’re looking for. If health, fitness, peace of mind and looking good is high on your list of priorities then you need to try for at least 30 minutes of yoga five days a week. Six days a week is best; three days a week is better than two are; one day a week is a start and is better than nothing. A short yoga practice will give you more energy and help your body significantly more than bombing out on the couch in front of the television. Advanced students will practice for 2–3 hours for six days a week.

5. I only have 15 minutes, what can I do in this amount of time?

In 15 minutes you can do quite a lot of good for yourself. Try 5 Salutations A & B followed by a 5 minute relaxation.

6. I travel a lot. Is Ashtanga yoga something I can do whilst away from home?

Absolutely. Ashtanga yoga is perfect for the traveler. All you need is enough space for your yoga mat, your knowledge of the sequence and you’re set. You don’t need equipment and a teacher to get the benefits of Ashtanga yoga everyday, no matter where you are.

7. I like to workout in the gym and go running. Will this be ok?

Of course it’s ok. If you want to go running, workout at the gym, hangglide and do Ashtanga that’s fine by me. Its up to you what you do with your time and energy. Some people who do yoga everyday had fairly rigorous exercise regimes before they started Ashtanga. Usually they find Ashtanga yoga replaces these as it yields far better benefits and results. Even so, if you decide that you only want to practice Ashtanga once or twice a week you will find it only compliments your other exercise regimes and makes you better at them. Personally, I only practice Ashtanga yoga now and I have never looked back. Other people are different. You need to find what works best for you and stick with that.

8. Do I need to warm-up before commencing my Ashtanga yoga practice?

Unless you have special needs, apart from a hot shower, it is highly unlikely you will need to warm up before your Ashtanga yoga practice. This is because the Ashtanga sequence is already perfectly designed and has a built in warm-up section. Stick with what you have been taught and you will find it is unlikely you will need any form of warm-up or cool down in addition to the sequence.

9. I hurt my back several years ago. I have seen many health care professionals none of whom have been able to help me. Is it ok for me to learn Ashtanga yoga?

If you have been advised by your health professional (eg doctor) not to learn yoga then it is best to heed this advice. If your spine is healthy enough to learn Ashtanga, then know that many people with problematic backs do find a regular, technically correct and consistent practice of Ashtanga gives them pain relief. I have a history of back pain to which Ashtanga Yoga has been a Godsend.

10. Can I train for swimming and practice yoga at the same time?

Swimming is great. It tones the body, improves your breathing and is one of the best exercises you can do. It won’t give you what yoga can, but if you want to build it into your schedule then that is completely fine.

11. What improvement can I expect to see in my body after a month of yoga 3 days week?

Your entire body will be more flexible and stronger. It will be longer, leaner, less tense and more supple. You will be more aware of your movement and move more easily. You will feel better about yourself and feel more confident. You will feel a greater appreciation for life and probably more positive about life in general. Need any of those? Of course you do everyone does.

12. My friend does yoga. I’ve seen him do stupid things where he puts his foot behind his head and headstand. Will you make me do things like that in your beginner course?

No, not at all. The poses you’re talking about are for very experienced practitioners only. In the beginner course you learn safe things that are suitable for people with no experience. You will learn salute to sun, standing and sitting postures. If you want to learn the other stuff, we are happy to teach you when you are ready. Aside from all the other things yoga will do for you, it should also be fun and enjoyable. Doing poses you’re not ready for, or ones you don’t want to do is not fun or enjoyable. If you don’t enjoy your yoga, then find yourself a new teacher.

13. What about alcohol? Can I get smashed every night and still make progress?

I haven’t tried myself but I seriously doubt it! I would think your chances of success are highly unlikely.

14. Should I do yoga in the morning or at night?

In the early morning the day is quiet and the mind is more peaceful. This is the best time for yoga. For the rest of the day you can look back with a feeling of accomplishment on what you did. But in the big picture find a time of day that suits you and stick to it. If you can’t find time in the morning do it at the end of the day. Avoid making excuses, turn up to class regularly and you’ll be fine.

15. Is it best to eat before yoga?

Yoga is best done on an empty stomach as your body will feel lighter and you can move more easily. This is easier for morning students than evening students. Some people find they can eat something light an hour or so before they practice. If you eat a lot before class it is likely you will feel like throwing up once you start yoga. I don’t recommend this.

16. My boyfriend dumped me for a woman with a flat stomach and a tight bum. I think she had breast implants too. Will yoga help me look more like her?

Yoga won’t give you breast implants but you will look amazing on the inside and out if you apply yourself and come to class 5 days a week consistently. Who cares about them though? Lets focus on you. This is an opportunity for you to enrich your life with new energy. Let go of the past and move forward. As I have seen many times before, place your mind on something positive and who knows what might happen, usually something fabulous.

17. Is it a lot of money to spend on yoga if I come more than once a week?

No. Yoga at AYMP is a bargain. You get expertly trained teachers, learn in beautiful surroundings and are looked after the way you deserve to be. Not only that, you don’t even have to buy yourself a yoga mat (we will lend you one) and if you do, it will last for years and years. No need to buy expensive athletic shoes or outfits, just bring yourself along barefoot in comfortable clothes. An investment like this into your health and well-being is one of the best investments you will ever make. You are worth it.