Tag Archive for: Bundy Yoga

Yoga Workshops in Bundaberg, Queensland

11 Embarrassing Yoga Questions Nobody Dares to Ask Out Loud

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Some questions about yoga might seem a little too embarrassing to ask out loud. So here goes a list of the most embarrassing yoga questions that people rarely dare to ask in public (but we know you might be asking yourself). Let’s delve right into it!

Your Most Embarassing Yoga Questions Answered

1. Will I pass gas? (In other words, does yoga make you fart more?)

Ok, this one had to be first. Yoga involves a lot of bending, twisting and stretching and farts will more often than not happen because it is difficult to hold them in such positions. It happens and it’s totally natural. When you do fart in class, simply ignore it and don’t make a big deal of it. A good tip is to watch the foods you eat a couple of hours prior to class. Try to eat light and avoid gassy food, like beans etc.

2. What if I fall asleep in savasana? (Yep, it happens)

The savasana, which is the corpse position, is a resting pose and not time for a nap. When you are tired, you might end up falling asleep but as you continue practicing yoga, you’ll realise that napping is different from relaxation. Try to stay awake and increase your awareness  by being mindful of what’s going on in your body, how you feel and the thoughts that cross your mind.

3. What if I fall over?

Some yoga poses can be a little harder to perform, especially when you’re at the beginning of your yoga journey. When learning a new exercise, there’s always a chance of failing a few times before we get it right. But there’s really nothing to worry about. When it happens and you are not injured, laugh about it and simply pick up where you left off. No-one is going to judge you. As teachers, we always do our best to reduce the risk of injury and guide you through all the different poses and variations. It’s important that you listen to your body though and don’t overstretch or push yourself too hard.

4. What about going to the bathroom?

Don’t hold the call of nature till after class if you are unable to. If you can hold it then that’s fine as well. You’re allowed to go to the bathroom whenever you need. Just do it quietly, respecting your fellow yogis.

5. Is sweating too much normal?

Yoga is an exercise, so expect to sweat. When you sweat, don’t be embarrassed about it. It’s good for you and helps to flush out all the toxins in your body. The fact that you’re sweating is also a sign that you are working out properly and strengthening your body in the process. So, keep going! 

 

Free Yoga Class Bundaberg

6. I don’t know the chanting words. What should I do?

You are not obligated to chime in during class, neither do you need to remember the sanskrit names of all the different poses (unless, of course, you are planning on attending yoga teacher training). When you don’t know the words, just listen to the rest of the class and join in. Or leave it. It’s completely up to you and there’s absolutely no judgement. Once you start attending classes more often, you’ll get to know the different yoga poses, and before you know it, remember their names, too.

7. What if I am not flexible enough?

There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you can’t reach your toes (yet). Flexibility is something you gain over time. And that’s exactly the purpose of doing yoga. Not to show how flexible you are, but to gradually increase your flexibility. Plus all the other benefits that come with practicing yoga regularly.

8. What about my stinky feet?

Are you afraid of removing your socks during a yoga class because they’re a little smelly sometimes? Nobody likes having smelly feet in front of them when practicing yoga, so we’re glad you thought about it. It’s always better to practice yoga barefoot, as socks might make you slip on your mat. But you can simply wash your feet before you step into the studio or arrive a little early and quickly do it there before the class begins.  Easy.

9. What about stinky armpits?

Sweating is completely natural and can be a little smelly sometimes. Yoga is no different. And even though we like to embrace our natural being, your fellow yogis will probably appreciate you having a quick shower before class and maybe using deodorant if you know you’re going to sweat a lot.

10. Why does the teacher have to adjust my yoga pose?

As teachers, it’s our job to ensure you do the poses properly, so you can reap the full benefits, but also to avoid unnecessary injury. So, pose adjustments during class are very common. When they happen keep breathing and continue to keep your focus on the pose. If you prefer not to be touched during class, that’s totally fine, too. Just kindly let your teacher know before class. No judgement here.

11. Do I have to breathe loudly if my neighbor is?

Your focus should not be on the volume of your breathing but on the actual act of breathing in and out. Don’t worry too much about what others are doing. Try to turn inward and focus on your own practice. This time is all about letting go and focusing on getting your breath, mind and body in sync.

Got more embarrassing yoga questions that aren’t on the list?

Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to add them!

We hope this answered some of your embarrassing yoga questions and helps you feel a little more comfortable about coming to class. If you’re new to yoga, don’t forget to claim your FREE $25 Yoga Gift Card to use for any of our yoga classes, workshop or retreats.

See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Carmen

6 Things You Should Know Before Your First Yoga Class

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If you’re a newbie to yoga, chances are you have lots of questions about what you’re getting yourself into your first yoga class. What am I supposed to bring? What can I expect? What should I wear for Bundaberg yoga classes? The truth is, if you come unprepared, your first few sessions can be a little intimidating.

Nonetheless, here are 8 crucial tips you should keep in mind before you enter our top-rated Bundaberg yoga studio for your first yoga class. They’ll help you feel more comfy, confident, and ready for your first few yoga classes. 

#1. It Pays to Arrive Early

The last thing you want for your first yoga class is to arrive late. The rule of thumb is to get to our yoga studio at least 10 minutes before the mats get humming. For one, there might be some paperwork to get out of your way before starting your class. Even better, you’ll be able to get a one-on-one with the instructors, and perhaps have some of your questions answered personally. More importantly, arriving early gives you an opportunity to snag a prime location in the studio.

#2. It’s Never a Good Idea to Take Yoga Classes with a Full Stomach

Sure, yoga can be intensive, but doing it on a full stomach is a big no-no. It’ll hinder your practice, making it harder to twist, turn, and whatnot. If you must, munch on a banana no less than 20 min before the yoga class starts. Generally, you should wait at least 2 hours to do yoga after a meal.

#3. Do a Bit of Research before your First Yoga Class

You cannot budge into a yoga studio without knowing a little about the instructors and how things are done. Give a call to your instructor. Have a read through our yoga blog. Chat with a friend who has advanced in yoga classes. Whatever you do, learn something before your first class. There’s so much to learn about yoga!

#4. What to Bring?

Bring a water bottle. Remember yoga is a physically-demanding activity, which implies it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to shop for a high-quality yoga mat and props. The goods news is that our Bundaberg yoga studio has fabulous mats and props available at no additional charge.

#5. Bare Feet, Bare Feet

You probably know this, but it’s worth mentioning that no socks or shoes are permitted at our Bundaberg yoga studio. Practising with bare feet will give you a better grip on your mat and allow you to feel into the poses better.

#6. Yoga’s All about Breathing

If you thought yoga is all about poses and bending, think again. Breathing is a huge component — and with good reason. It helps calm your mind and decongest your thoughts. By synchronising your breath with your movement, you will find more balance throughout your body and your life. 

 

Watch how yoga has helped these Bundaberg locals improve their lives

6 Mental Benefits of Yoga

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It’s no big secret that there are several different mental benefits of yoga that can do wonders for every aspect of your being. It can rejuvenate your mind, reinvigorate your body, and recharge your spirit. As such, the benefits of yoga cut across the physical, mental, and spiritual spectrum.

In this post, however, we shall only cover the top mental benefits of yoga

#1. Yoga Sharpens your Concentration and Memory Focus

With each yoga pose, yogis can spruce up their brain function and health. In fact, certain yoga poses and techniques have been found to stimulate the nervous system and brain. The result is improved mental focus and sharpened concentration. Moreover, yoga helps your brain become pliable so it can process information more efficiently and quickly.

#2. Yoga Helps Relieve Anxiety and Stress

Stress and anxiety relief is one of the most important mental yoga benefits. You see, your body and mind can take a beating from anxiety attacks and stress. In fact, recent studies have shown that increased levels of stress hormones (called cortisol) can lead to pain, loss of sleep, and other lifestyle ailments. The relaxation, calmness and fluidity that come with regular yoga practice has been found to reduce not only these stress hormones, but also anxiety.

#3. Yoga Uplifts your Mood as one of the Mental Benefits

Just like other forms of exercise, vinyasa yoga can help induce the secretion of more “feel good” neurotransmitters, including endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These are hormones that regulate happiness and rewarding behaviour. At the same time, yoga reduces stress and the mood-depressing hormone called cortisol. That’s why it comes as no big surprise that yoga can work wonders for cancer and dementia patients. However, anyone can benefit from an uplifted mood.

#4. Yoga Improves Mindfulness

Mindfulness is crucial when it comes to collecting your thoughts and living in the present moment. When combined with other practices like meditation, yoga can help you become mindful of yourself, of your thoughts, and of others. More importantly, getting started with mindfulness allows you to be in sync with your emotions and be in a better position to take on life’s ups and downs. What’s more, mindfulness has been found to help boost the immune system and improve relationships.

#5. Yoga and Sleep Disorders

One of the biggest mental yoga benefits is that it can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. By improving your mindfulness and relaxing your mind, yoga can indeed help you sleep better and aid your body to recover faster.

#6. Yoga can Slow Down Cognitive Decline

A recent 12-week-long study has shown that yoga can effectively combat cognitive degeneration. It not only improves memory but also boost regeneration of brain cells.

There you have it — 6 mental benefits of yoga for your brain and mental health. Yoga is also recommended to help fight depression as well as treat PTSD and schizophrenia.

A Regular Yoga Practice Helps Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles

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Certain yoga poses can be great to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

It is important for both men and women to look after the Pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening our pelvic floor muscles will help us actively support your bladder and bowel. This improves bladder and bowel control and can reduce or stop leakage of urine and bowel motions. Like other muscles, we can train and keep our pelvic floor muscles strong with regular yoga practice.

Especially women after giving birth, woman’s pelvic floor muscles stretch from the base of her spine to her pubic bones. Inside her abdomen, these muscles support her bowel, bladder, and uterus. The pelvic floor muscles can become stretched and weakened by pregnancy, childbirth and age. Over time, weak pelvic floor muscles may lead to incontinence, or difficulty maintaining control of bowel and bladder movements. Further, a weak pelvic floor can cause pain in the lower back and pelvic area. Yoga poses, or asanas, increase circulation and stamina, which can help to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Root Locks

Root locks, or mula bandhas, should be the basis of any yoga pose in which you would like to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Root locks can be incorporated into almost any yoga pose. To engage in root locks, you gently uplift your pelvic floor muscles by imagining that you are trying to stop the flow of urine and a bowel movement at the same time. While doing so, draw your tailbone downward. You will want to try not to contract your buttocks muscles but instead, engage your abdominal muscles. Regular practice of root locks can align your posture, strengthen your core muscles, and help to improve pelvic endurance.

Reclining Poses

There are several reclining yoga poses that can help to strengthen your pelvic floor. These include child’s poses, fish pose, spinal twists, cobra pose and lotus pose. While engaging in any of these poses, you will want to gently squeeze the pelvic floor muscles while stabilizing your lower back. Then inhale and exhale slowly for a few breaths, bringing awareness to your inner strength.

Standing Poses

Standing poses that incorporate pelvic floor strengthening include poses such as downward-facing dog, triangle pose, squatting pose, horse pose, and tree pose. Keep in mind that the resiliency of the pelvic muscles may be affected by the pull of gravity. Caution should be used with standing poses because there is a chance that sudden movements could cause or aggravate slipping of the uterus, or a prolapsed uterus. Talk to your doctor to find out whether standing yoga poses are right for you.

Inversions

Inversions, such as shoulder stand, headstand or handstand are the best poses to practice if you are looking to utilise gravity to your advantage. When held in proper alignment, inversions can help the pelvic organs to realign back to their proper places. Inversions also improve blood circulation throughout the body as blood flow is directed toward the heart and brain. This increases concentration, mental alertness, and awareness. If you are not prepared to do the full expression of inversion poses, you can use a wall for support.

Information credit Live Strong & Continence Foundation of Australia
Photo Credit Health Hints

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: How yoga helped recover a long-lasting shoulder injury in less than a year.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Invigorating. I’m 36 years old and I work as a Client Support Officer in Disability Employment Services and also a pole dance instructor. I had pretty strong shoulders beforehand due to years of pole dancing, however after sustaining an injury to muscle in my left shoulder I was still left with niggling pain even after it had healed.”

“After 12 months of practicing yoga, I noticed the pain has stopped and I feel stronger than ever.”

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I started over 12 months ago after attending the 3hr Yoga Base Camp workshop in 2014 with Carmen. I love feeling challenged, I love to see the progression in my practice and I love how I feel afterwards. ”

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(2014 Yoga Base Camp in Bundaberg, Queensland)

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“After completed the 2-week Yoga Challenge in 2014, I was been able to attend two classes a week before I have changed my job. I miss attending more often. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the yoga retreat in Koh Samui this year and it was a fantastic experience. It was such a precious experience to practice yoga in a beautiful part of the world but I really felt like I connected and made some lovely friendships with the other participants, Carmen and her family. ”

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(2015 Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand)

What is you next goal or challenge?

“I’m working on the transitions from pose to pose.  As being able to transit from Crow pose and Chaturanga. I’m also working on handstands, I do as instructed in class but I do kick up when I’m practicing at home and I have noticed some progression…..although I’m a very long way off being able to just lift up into it as Carmen so brilliantly demonstrates in class. I’m still working on accomplishing my first tripod headstand .” ;-)

“It really is harder than it looks but is also quite gentle on the body. Yoga is definitely something for all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.”

“Carmen is an amazing and inspirational woman!”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“You will feel awkward for the first few classes but Carmen guides you through your journey very gently….and it is YOUR journey.”

Rebecca Spencer
Millbank, QLD

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: A city girl who moved to Bundy for her love.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Grounded. I just turned 35, I moved from Sydney to Bundaberg 2 years ago after I met my fiancé. I work as a sales assistant at haight and Ashbury and help my fiancé with his own business ‘Just Tinting‘.”

“I truly can say I’m a better person, I handle life better, I feel happier and I can breathe better.”

melisa1

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I continue to practice as i like the way I feel during and after class. I start practicing yoga in Sydney for some time with my friend who is a yoga teacher. I have tried different yoga classes but I couldn’t find one that I enjoyed until I heard about Carmen who is from Sydney and she moved to Bundaberg. Since then I feel like I have been practicing yoga forever with Carmen.”

Carmen is my number one inspiration as I can see how hard she works to be able to do the poses and how hard she works to run a business be a mum and a wife. I feel like other regular yogis inspirer me as well as I can see how practices equals progression so I guess I inspire myself when I achieve something new!  ”

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“I try to practice as often as I can I even challenge myself to do every class in the week which I have achieved but as a rule if I get to three classes a week I’m happy but most of the time I manage more it just depends on what’s going on in my life! ”

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(My first 30-Day Yoga Challenge, It was amazing and proud of myself! )

What is you next goal or challenge?

“My main focus is do not fear anything in yoga I worry I will hurt myself when I’m upside down! I’m still working on the tripod headstand I feel I can physically achieve this but fear gets in my way! ”

“I like Carmen’s way of teaching I find her class to be strong but gentle and I love her sense of humour!”

 

“Carmen is a fantastic teacher of yoga i believe she was born todo this she is very knowledgeable, tough and kind at the same time.”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“I believe Carmen is a genuine person that wants the best for her fellow yogis. You will always feel welcome in the classes with the lovely teachers from Love Life. Live Yoga.”

Melisa Godbee
Burnett Downs , QLD

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: A young girl discovered Yoga in her early 20s.

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Inspiring. I am 22, I am a front office manager from one of the motels in Bundaberg. I started practicing Yoga in 2014. It is just simply what I love doing now, I started feeling and seeing the benefits in yoga. I feel amazing, will only continue to improve and grow in my yoga journey.”

“Yoga has taught me a whole new way of being. I learn to relax and manage stress. Yoga teaches me to control my breathing which helps me control my body and stay focus.“

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I started practicing yoga with Carmen in late 2014. I can definitely feel that I am getting stronger, my mind is so much clearer through regular practice.”

How often do you attend yoga classes?

” I am doing 2-3 classes every week as well as all the workshops and yoga challenges with Carmen. I have also just booked my first yoga retreat with Carmen in Cambodia next year!”

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(I completed the 30-Day Yoga Challenge with Carmen! Yay!)

What is you next goal or challenge?

“At the moment I am mainly still working on the basics to build a strong foundation like deepen my forward fold and warrior poses as I feel that I need to have the basics right to be able to move forward in my practice. I like to work on my inversions(headstand/tripod headstands), I like the feeling of being upside down. Improving my core strength to be able to control my inversions well. It is important to me that through asana, I can see just how powerful and purposeful my body is. Yoga is one of the few things that bridges my body and my mind. I would like to step out my comfort zone, and challenge my body. I have never stood up and really done something that I REALLY enjoyed before, especially any physical activity because I was not active when I was young. I have found a new me and being able to spread my wings through regular yoga practice. It’s an awesome feeling, I am very proud of myself.”

“Carmen is AMAZING! She is very helpful, kind and truly beautiful. It is so lovely to be around her.”

 

“Carmen is very inspiring me with her strong practice and all the things that she can do with her body, simply beautiful control and confidence. (whilst talking and teaching us all through it!) ”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“Don’t just give up after the first couple of classes, give yourself some time to get to know well about yoga. It is hard at the beginning but your body will thank you in the future.”

Kirsten Neller
BUCCA , QLD

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: A wonderful self employed lawyer sharing her experience

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If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“One word to describe yoga is Compassion. I am 51 and a self employed lawyer. Since I have started this more regular yoga practice I feel much more confident about growing older. ”

“I can feel my body able to do things better now than when I was in my 30s and 40s.“

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

” I started practicing yoga with Carmen in April this year. Whilst I have been dabbling in yoga for many years I feel that I have only just started really learn yoga since finding Carmen’s classes. I have so much more to learn and every class takes me a tiny bit further on the journey.”

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“I like to attend classes at least three or four times a week when I am not out of town for work. I know that there are women in their 70s and even 80s who still practice yoga. I admire that tremendously and I want to be able to still practice yoga into my 80s if I am fortunate enough to still be here. I have been a very busy professional with all the usual stresses and pressures that come with that and with having a busy family. That kind of life ages us and makes us short tempered and too tired to enjoy all that we work for. Yoga has given me back my own sense of self and a feeling of wellness and peace.  I have learned that just one hour of yoga can cut through all the craziness of life and that 10 minutes of savasana is the best thing any woman can do for her self and her wellbeing.”

What is you next goal or challenge?

“I am not yet ready to claim that I can actually do a tripod headstand, but I know that I will be able to do it in the future. I have been in the pose near the wall and this was a milestone. It felt great. Carmen’s classes take us further than we think we can go. Her passion for inversion poses and her enthusiasm has changed my expectations of myself. My current goal is to master Bakasana. (I want to stand up on my surfboard – so bakasana will help with that too.)”

“Carmen is the strongest person I know. She has an amazing ability and it is inspiring to have her as a teacher.”

“Carmen is very encouraging. I feel I will never stop learning in her classes and I never want to stop learning.”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“Classes from Love Life. Live Yoga offer something for each one of us, no one is under pressure yet there is always the invitation to go further.”
Susan O’Sullivan
Moore Park, QLD

People sharing their experience with Love Life Live Yoga

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A short while ago we asked a few of the amazing people, whom I had the joy of practicing yoga with, about their experience and how yoga has benefited them. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help people become the best versions of themselves and witness the benefits that come with a regular yoga practice.

The way I like to describe yoga is this:

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”

Yoga is a deeply personal journey. It doesn’t matter where others are at in their practice. What matters is that you make time to reconnect with yourself. Do what you can in each given moment. Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel. Surely, yoga can be challenging, especially when first getting started. Just remember that if it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you. When was the last time you challenged yourself?

What you are looking for is not out there, it is within you. If you are thinking of giving yoga a try, but don’t know where to start, make sure to check out our 30-day Intro Offer for a full 30 days of UNLIMITED yoga classes. Enough time to find out if yoga is right for you, to make some new friends, and you might already see some progress. If you try it and don’t enjoy it, at least you tried. But chances are, it might very well change your life.

See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Carmen

Yoga doesn’t make me soft but makes me stronger everyday.

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Yoga is not just making me soft.
It makes me softer from the inside but stronger from the outside.
Sometimes we need to learn to pause, to feel our heart beat and listen to our body. Yoga is not just a physical workout, it helps us to deepen our connection between soul, mind and body. We learn when to stop and reconnect to ourselves again without distraction from the outside.
We learn to focus and listen to our inner self, which is guiding you into the right direction.
The body is not just a shelf, it’s yours. Don’t just focus on the physical appearance of you body but connect with it, feel it and create balance between body and mind.

namaste,

Carmen