Send your questions for Nicole Goodwin here
Pain in the neck
Q: When I do abs work (pilates moves, sit-ups), my neck starts hurting. How can I stop this from happening?
LB, Clovelly, NSW
A: Often if your core is weak, you'll try to recruit strength from other parts of your body, particularly the neck. When doing abdominal work, rather than jutting the chin forward, keep it tucked in towards your throat. You can also try touching the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, which engages the neck flexor muscles and helps protect your neck from strain.
Get a hot body
Q: What moves can warm up my body? My house is freezing!
KG, St Kilda, Vic
A: To stretch safely, your body needs to be warm, so put on your favourite trackies and a long-sleeved T-shirt and do a few sun salutes before trying any deeper stretching. Sun salutes (surya namaskara) are traditional yogic warm-ups that will have you feeling toasty after about five or six rounds. For info on how to do them, go to yogajournal.com/practice/1040
Build ambition
Q: I'm not into cardio. How many yoga sessions would I need to do to lose some weight?
PB, Glenelg, SA
A: That depends on the style of yoga you choose, the intensity of your practice and your diet. If you go for more vigorous styles like Power, Bikram or Ashtanga, which offer a cardio workout, you'll definitely see results. Start with three sessions a week and see how you go - like any exercise you need to be consistent. Maintain a moderate diet and remember: yoga is a system of complete health, not just a form of exercise.
Slower motion
Q: I've been told to swap one of my cardio classes for a yoga-based one. Why?
CF, Cronulla, NSW
A: A cardio workout should raise your heart rate continuously for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing you to burn kilojoules. Some of the stronger yoga styles such as Ashtanga offer some cardio-conditioning, but not as much as slogging it on the step machine. I suggest keeping your cardio for burning fat, and introducing yoga to create suppleness, strength and stability of the joints.
Pregnant pose
Q: I'm pregnant. What moves should I avoid?
JH, Launceston, Tas
A: In the first trimester, take a break from yoga. Then practise gently under the supervision of a qualified pre-natal yoga teacher, and avoid things like deep abdominal compression, twisting, strong forward bends and backbends and inversions. Be careful not to overstretch, as your ligaments are naturally more relaxed in pregnancy, so you'll feel more flexible than normal.
Ha ha hatha
Q: What is laughter yoga? Is it coming to Australia?
BP, Laurieton, NSW
A: Laughter yoga is the latest worldwide craze. It combines "laughter exercises" with yogic breathing. The concept is based on the scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter - we get the same physiological and psychological benefits. Laughter yoga reduces physical, mental and emotional stress, and releases endorphins in the brain. It can also help reduce depression and strengthen immunity. And yes, it is available in Australia - check out this website: vibrance.com.au.
Send your questions for Nicole Goodwin here
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