Deborah Perkins, yoga instructor

Q. Do you have to be flexible to do yoga?

No. Being able to bend like a pretzel is not a prerequisite. You can start wherever you are and go from there.

Q. I’m old/ busy/ tired/ stiff/ uncoordinated/ pregnant/ etc. Can I still do yoga?

Yes! Absolutely! Yoga is about focusing on what you CAN do right now. An experienced, qualified teacher can help you modify and customize the poses depending on your situation.

Q. I like a challenging workout. Isn’t yoga kind of “soft” and easy?

That depends on the style of yoga you choose. Some types of yoga (usually called “gentle” or “restorative”) are physically easier and slower moving. Other styles - some are slow and some move quickly - are physically challenging, even for those in great shape.

Yoga builds strength and flexibility simultaneously. Many people who are “in shape” have one but not the other and will find themselves challenged. And yoga has no end so even the strongest, most flexible people can find a point where they are working hard.

Q. What is Hip Hop Yoga? Do they really go together? Do I get to (have to) dance?

The moves are yoga. The sound is Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, fusion and a little of whatever thrown in. The class will get you moving, make you work hard and end with a relaxing, restorative poses. (And maybe that will be so much fun you forget your chattering, analytical mind for a bit.) This is a yoga, not a dance class, but sometimes you will have a few minutes to do your own thing and if you feel inspired to dance then, go for it!

Have a question? Send it to perkinsdesign@hotmail.com