YOGA: THE 6 QUESTIONS EVERYONE ASKS!
Are you new to yoga or wondering about its benefits?
In this post, we'll answer the 6 most asked questions on Google about yoga, its postures, its philosophy and its effects on body and mind.
Whether you're curious, skeptical or in search of an aligned practice, discover clear and caring answers, inspired by years of knowledge transmission, thousands of mats we've delivered to you, and the bonds we've forged with you in the name of Yogaterrae.
Written by TINA - May 2025
Inklapbare content
Reading time
Approx. 10 minutes
WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER
- What is yoga?
- What are the benefits of yoga?
- Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
- What style of yoga is right for me?
- Can yoga help me lose weight?
- How often should I practice yoga to feel the benefits?
"Let's take a look!
A CLEAR, ACCESSIBLE DEFINITION OF WHAT YOGA REALLY IS TODAY
More than just a physical activity, yoga is an age-old discipline that aims to harmonize body, breath and mind. Practised for over 5,000 years in India, yoga has philosophical, spiritual and physical foundations. It is not limited to the execution of postures (asanas), but also includes breathing exercises (pranayama), concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Its profound aim is to awaken a finer awareness of oneself and the world, by cultivating inner peace.
In modern life, yoga has adapted to all rhythms and profiles. You can find it in gyms, specialized studios, or at home, on your own yoga matIt can be gentle or intense, depending on your mood. For some, it's a time to stretch and breathe better; for others, it's a path of inner transformation. From soothing Hatha Yoga to flowing Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga or Kundalini, each approach offers a unique link between movement, breath and presence.
Today, yoga is recognized worldwide as a powerful tool for stress management,posture improvement, musculoskeletal disorder prevention and personal development. Practised consistently, it becomes a space for centring and rejuvenation, accessible to all, whatever their age, physical condition or beliefs.
THE MANY BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR THE BODY, MIND AND EMOTIONS
The benefits of yoga are physical, mental and emotional. It's no coincidence that millions of people around the world practice it today, sometimes on a daily basis. Yoga acts as a gentle, preventive medicine, accessible to all, promoting overall balance of body and mind.
On a physical level, regular practice improves flexibility, deep muscle strength, posture and joint mobility. It strengthens stabilizing muscles, relieves tension in the back, shoulders and hips, and stimulates the internal organs. Simple postures such as head-down dog or child's pose promote both stretching and recovery. On the yoga mat, the body rediscovers a space of alignment and fluidity.
On the mental side, conscious breathing exercises (pranayama) and moments of full presence improve concentration, calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Yoga helps you get out of "autopilot" mode and back into the moment, in tune with yourself. Numerous studies show that yoga can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improve sleep quality and accompany emotional disorders.
From an emotional point of view, yoga opens up a space ofinner acceptance, enabling us to better manage our emotions and cultivate self-acceptance, patience and benevolence. By linking movement, breathing and silence, it becomes a genuine path back to the essential.
Finally, beyond the measurable benefits, many practitioners speak of a subtle transformation: a better anchoring, a more peaceful relationship with the body, and a clearer vision of their deepest needs.
WHY FLEXIBILITY IS NOT A PREREQUISITE, BUT A PATH TO SUCCESS
It's one of the most persistent misconceptions: you have to be flexible to practice yoga. In reality, yoga doesn't require any prerequisites in terms of flexibility, stamina or appearance. It's a progressive practice, accessible to everyone, whatever their level or age.
Flexibility is not a starting point; it's sometimes a side effect of practice. What yoga proposes above all is tolisten to your body, to work with awareness, and to respect your own limits. Some very flexible people may lack stability or tone, while others, less flexible, quickly gain in mobility and balance.
A good teacher will always be able to propose accessible variations, with accessories such as blocks or straps, to enable everyone to adopt a posture according to their morphology. So it's not the final form of the posture that counts, but the quality of presence, personal alignment and bodily sensation.
Take the example of the pincer posture (Paschimottanasana). You don't need to touch your feet to feel the benefits. Even by bending slightly forward, the student can feel the right, deep, regenerating stretch.
Yoga teaches us that patience and regularity are worth more than performance. It invites us to let go of comparisons, to welcome what is, and to move at our own pace, with gentleness. In this sense, the practice becomes a tool for self-knowledge, rather than a physical challenge.
In short, flexibility is neither a goal nor a prerequisite. It comes - or doesn't - with time. But real yoga begins as soon as you lie down on the mat, with sincerity, presence and curiosity.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT YOGA STYLE FOR YOUR NEEDS, LIFESTYLE AND DESIRES
Faced with the wealth of practices available today, it's natural to feel a little lost. Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Ashtanga... each yoga style has its own energy, rhythm and intentions. The idea is not to choose "the best", but the one that resonates most with your moment in life, your body and your need of the day.
Looking to slow down, relax deeply and restore your physical and mental resources? Yin yoga could be just what you're looking for. It is practiced on the floor, in immobility, and encourages fascia relaxation and deep release.
Do you like fluid movement, body heat and a rhythmic practice that links breathing and postures? Try Vinyasa, which links postures in a dynamic flow, perfect for toning and circulating energy.
If you're just starting out or would like to explore a gentler, slower approach, with particular attention to alignment and breathing, Hatha Yoga is an excellent foundation. It's suitable for everyone, whatever their age or physical condition.
Looking for a more spiritual and introspective practice? Kundalini Yoga, with its mantras, kriyas and powerful breaths, explores energetic and meditative dimensions.
And for those who like structured routines, rigor and physical intensity,Ashtanga Yoga offers codified series that build stamina and discipline.
Finally, some days you may need one... and the next, the opposite. It's healthy and beneficial to explore, to listen to your feelings and to alternate styles. Good yoga is that which accompanies you without constraining you, which adapts to your needs, your mood and your vitality of the day.
Yoga isn't a box to tick. It's a flexible, living path that evolves with you. And sometimes, the right style is the one you haven't tried yet.
WHAT SCIENCE HAS TO SAY ABOUT YOGA AND WEIGHT LOSS
The answer is yes, but not necessarily in the way you'd expect. Yoga isn't a high-intensity calorie-burning sport like HIIT or running, but it does have an in-depth effect on a number of levers essential to lasting, healthy weight loss.
Firstly, certain styles such as Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga orAshtanga generate real muscular, cardiovascular and energy work. In a dynamic session, you sweat, you engage your deep muscles, you improve your posture, and above all, you activate your metabolism. In this way, these styles can effectively support a weight loss or fitness goal.
But beyond the physical aspect, yoga acts on emotional balance. It regulates the nervous system, reduces stress (often at the root of compulsive eating), and rebalances the relationship with the body. Through practices such as pranayama (breath control) and meditation, it soothes mental tensions, and helps to break the "stress - compensation - guilt" cycle.
Yoga also invites us to adopt a more conscious eating style. By being more attuned to our inner sensations, we eat differently: more slowly, with more presence, and often by naturally adjusting quantities. It's not a diet, but an awareness of the link between what we eat and how we feel.
Last but not least, regular yoga practice reconnects you with the pleasure of movement, without pressure or competition. This creates a virtuous dynamic: more energy, more vitality, more self-respect... and therefore, often, a natural rebalancing of weight.
Losing weight with yoga isn't about self-imposed constraints. It's about finding an anchor, coherence and inner stability that gently transforms your lifestyle.
HOW OFTEN TO PRACTICE FOR DEEP, LASTING EFFECTS
You don't have to practice every day for hours on end to feel the effects of yoga. What counts is regularity. Even 2 or 3 sessions a week, lasting 20 to 45 minutes, can profoundly transform your relationship with your body, stress and energy. Yoga acts as a gentle but constant imprint on the nervous, muscular and emotional systems.
The first visible benefits are often improved sleep, better breathing, greater flexibility and greater mental stability. In the medium term, the practice becomes an anchor, a reference point in the week, structuring the day and nurturing a more conscious lifestyle.
Many practitioners also choose a short daily practice, such as a sun salutation in the morning, or pranayama in the evening, to establish a beneficial ritual without pressure. The idea is not to "do more", but to practice with presence.
Finally, the right frequency is the one that respects your life rhythm, your needs and your pleasure. It's better to have a mat that's regularly rolled out with joy, than a rigid, exhausting routine. Yoga doesn't judge quantity, but cultivates the quality of our attention to ourselves.
Thank you TINA for this post
Thank you for your curiosity and your desire to better understand yoga. May each question be a door to greater clarity, well-being... and self-presence.
TINA's bio
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TINA
1994, Reunion Island & Mauritius, a Life inspired by the Indian Ocean and Yoga
Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has criss-crossed the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches the world over.Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the ocean her playground and source of inspiration.
The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.
Through her explorations, yoga has become more than a practice for her - it's a way of life.
Between morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she has found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, fluidity and self-awareness.
Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South-West and often remotely :)
This adventuress is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.
Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
