Hi Youthful Yogis!
Has this ever happened to you...you're telling someone a story about something you did in a yoga class and they look at you like you're from the moon?

Well, guess what? They are probably wondering what you are talking about...as in: what is yoga? where did it come from? what's with the funny name? and... is yoga that new kind of yogurt my mom just bought ?


Let's set the record straight! Here are answers to some of the questions you might hear. Feel free to share this information with your friends; that way the next time you talk about your yoga class, they won't go lunar on you!

1) What is yoga?
Yoga is a way of moving our bodies and using our breath so that we can feel comfortable and calm in our bodies everyday. Asana is the word for poses that we do to stretch, strengthen and relax. Pranayama is the word for the way we use our breath to warm up, cool down, quiet the mind and stay alert.                                                                            


Yoga also relates to how we live our lives, especially in terms of the way we treat others and ourselves.


2) Where is yoga from?
Yoga is thousands of years old; it began in the part of the world that is now the country of India.  Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language and most yoga poses have Sanskrit names, that's why they sound a little funny.

3) What's with the name? 
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means to unite or bring together. Yoga helps us to feel connected, and that's a good thing!


4) What about that new kind of yogurt my mom bought?
I really can't help you with that one. A lot of people like Greek yogurt these days, but that doesn't have much to do with yoga...except that it might make you feel good.
                                                     
                                                                                                                 

I hope this gives you some helpful information to share with your friends and family. The next time a friend looks at you funny when you're talking about yoga, just explain to them what you know. And if they're still wondering about the yogurt thing, tell them a lot of moms are going Greek!