I have never learn yoga, Can I learn from youtube ?

During my talk at the Mahsa University, one of the physiotherapy student asked :

My mom is a total beginner, can she learn yoga from youtube ?

My answer : Yes and No

Yes unless there is someone who has experience or at least know about anatomy to watch over her when she practices, in order to avoid injury . No because there are many “blind spots” like her back, and buttock. She wouldn’t know if she did it right, if the alignment is out, she is taking a big risk of getting injured . From youtube, there is no one giving proper guidance according to her capacity, no feedback or correction will be given. One should attend a proper yoga class so that the risk of injuries goes to minimal or zero. What I meant about “proper yoga class” is : a class that is not a fitness bootcamp class that try to train you to perform in a circus. A proper yoga class should consist of :

1. Pawanmuktasana (Joint warm up)

2. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) 3. Asanas (postures) 4. Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep for restoration) Or Deep relaxation

5. Pranayama (Breathing exercise)

6. Dhyana (Meditation).

A teacher who has knowledge of anatomy, the art of adjustment and know how to give detailed instruction. Better yet to explain each benefits of each asana and why they are doing that. Understand that many beginners are very shy to be in a group class and very conscious about their body. A private one on one class would be ideal for this group of people. Plus side is the class is customized according to individual’s capacity to optimized the benefit of practicing yoga.