Questions & Answers
Q: How did Naomi first become involved with yoga?
A: When Naomi was living in New York City in 1981, a friend suggested she take her vacation at a yoga ashram on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. On a whim, she decided to challenge herself, never having studied yoga before. At the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, she spent four days eating healthy food, learning proper breathing techniques, and experiencing deep relaxation and meditation— all integral parts of the practice of yoga. As a result, she felt renewed with a deep calm and inner peace, which she was able to tap into at any time. She believes we often teach what we need to learn, so she continued her studies and began teaching yoga in 1982 in New York City.
Q: How can Gentle Yoga with Naomi help me with weight management?
A: In order to regulate body fat successfully, a person needs to have healthy immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. The regular practice of Gentle Yoga can accomplish this. Modern medical research indicates that dieting for weight loss, then regaining the weight, which often happens, can cause overall weight gain even beyond the dieter's previous weight. In addition, the self-esteem suffers and yo-yo dieting results. Through Naomi's own experience keeping off the 20 extra pounds she had gained after quitting smoking, for the past 28 years, she knows regular yoga practice works.
Q: Why does stress management help with my weight?
A: Managing stress is a key to managing what you eat. Since many eating challenges stem not so much from hunger, but from emotional imbalance, often caused by stress, a regular yoga practice can reduce stress and thereby manage weight. Achieving proper balance in the body through yoga brings about harmony and control which help an individual make better food choices related to feelings.
Q: Why is proper breathing so important?
A: Through correct breathing, the brain and other cells in the body receive proper oxygenation, which enhances the nervous system. When the brain and nervous system function more effectively, the body's functions improve as well, including the endocrine system, which produces hormones. Balanced hormones are a key to managing stress.
Check out my video "The Importance of Breathing" for more information.
Q: How often is it necessary to practice Gentle Yoga with Naomi to see results?
A: For optimum effectiveness, regular sustained practice done at the same time every day is best. One hour of Gentle Yoga daily is ideal, however, even with 15 minutes you will see results. And if you're pressed for time, at least practice the breathing techniques for a few minutes, whenever you need to slow down. Establishing a rhythm and consistency creates lasting benefits for stress and weight management.
Q: Can this practice work if I've never exercised before?
A: Everyone has to start somewhere, and with Gentle Yoga, there are exercises for every size, age, and fitness level. The poses are safe and gentle and perfect for beginners.