Taking yoga classes in German

Hello people,

I'm hoping that someone that knows something about yoga can give me a bit of advice. I'm really interested in doing a yoga class, mostly as a way to unwind and get some me time - a SAHM of 2 kids under 3 years, so need something for myself. But I'm slightly worried as I've only been here a few months, and don't speak much German, I'm just wondering would that be a real problem? Or is yoga something you can do by sort of looking around you and copying what everyone else is doing?

Thanks for any advice!
Bren

I believe yoga to be comprising more than just the phsical components. Meditation and understanding the philosophy behind the moves is essential. If your German is weak, then I do believe you should consider doing a course conducted in English. The search function should help you find available yoga courses in English.

Thanks for your reply Hams,

I do get where you're coming from. The problem is, due to time constraints I can only go to courses in my local area.. and so far have only found them in German. My understanding of the language isn't as bad as it should be for only being here a few months, as I do understand Dutch quiet well, and a lot of words are similar. Maybe I should just give it a go, nothing ventured and all that.

With your advice in mind though, I will do a search for some courses in English that run on a Saturday.

Thanks a lot
Bren

Ah, you didn't mention the Dutch skills.

I started doing taichi here when I didn't speak a word of german.
the instructor spoke english (and i believe a yoga instructor does it very well) thus I could ask him when I missed the words. on my side i searched on the dictionary the keywords: hip, ankle, foot, rotate, balance, energy, mind and so on.
seriously, especially for a beginner, language is not a problem.

I would give it a go in German. I did that with a lot of things (gym classes, yoga, pilates etc) when I first got here, and just researched the vocab before I went to the course. Sure, you will miss some of the detail, but in the long term it will be more practical for you. Jumping in the deep end will help your German and make you more independant in the long term.

i have taken yoga classes in german without understanding half of it and it was fine. made sure to see the instructor very well and looked up a few words online.
enjoy!

Just wanted to report that I went to my first yoga class last night. it was a free trail session, and the instructor was really nice, she told me to sit beside her so she could explain things to me (which she did, a lot) and I really enjoyed it. There were only 2 other women there, and I'll definately be going again next week...thanks to those who encouraged me to give it a go Bren

Does anyone know of a website that gives a primer in German vocabulary for yoga classes? The only Iyengar yoga class (the style of yoga I prefer) I can find in my city is in German. I'm pretty familiar with the standard set of Iyengar instructions, so even though my German is very poor, I generally know what she's saying just by watching the teacher. However, I'd really love to understand more. The vocabulary, however, is not the sort of stuff we're learning in my German class: "inhale/exhale, flex, bend, straighten, roll back, pull in, tighten, relax, let go, release, balls of the feet, ..." It's pretty specialized stuff. I'd love to find a list of phrases/words related to Yoga. Anyone know of such a resource? If not, my only other idea is to bring a tape recorder to class so I can study it later in slow-mo.

Treat yourself to a box of this chap's Yoga Cards

There are full instructions in German on the other side on how to perform the poses.

I am/was a Yoga teacher. Why not get an English book to go along with your German classes? I highly recommend Yoga and Health by Selvarajan Yesudian; sadly out of print but you can get used copies on Amazon. None of the modern books come up to his standard; he was in fact one of the first to bring Yoga to the West and his book will take you beyond the postures; which really should be only the beginning of a fascinating journey!