Yoga FAQ

Getting Started, New to Yoga?

 

What is yoga?

The practice of yoga has ancient roots dating back some 5000 years. The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into a text known as the Yoga Sutras an estimated 2000 years ago. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” meaning to yoke, join, or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual – body with mind and mind with breath – to achieve a balanced, useful and contented life.

What is commonly referred to as “yoga” can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word “asana”, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. In fact, there are 8 limbs of yoga, asana being the 3rd limb, the majority of the remaining limbs deal with behavior and the practice of meditation.

 

What are the benefits of yoga?

The physical practice of yoga will bring you more flexibility, strength, muscle tone, pain prevention and better breathing. But these enormous physical benefits are just a “side effect” of this powerful practice. When combined with meditative practices, yoga harmonizes the mind with the body resulting in real quantum benefits such as mental calmness, stress reduction and body awareness.

 

I’m not flexible can I do yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

 

Is it okay to do yoga while pregnant?

Yoga can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed – all of which is good for you and the baby, too. If your doctor/midwife gives you the go ahead, it’s okay to attend prenatal yoga classes while you are pregnant. Prenatal yoga is one of the best ways to exercise when you are pregnant, prenatal fitness is so important to you and your baby's health. Beginners to yoga will enjoy these gentle classes and experienced yoginis can benefit from slowing down a little and honoring the changes in their body as they connect with other moms-to-be. While prenatal yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy, but there are very important precautions to take within different trimesters. In general, you want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures. If you feel you must continue in a regular yoga practice PLEASE inform your instructor prior to class so that appropriate modifications can be given. I advise against continuing in regular practice, it will be there waiting for you after the baby is safely born and you are healed, do you and your baby a favor and stick to prenatal yoga classes.

 

Will yoga help me lose weight?

Maybe. Yoga is a wonderful total body workout and is great for strength training and it can help you gradually lose weight. Yoga focuses on mind/body awareness. Doing yoga regularly can inspire you to take better care of yourself as you become more aware of your physical and mental states-perhaps a shift in perspective about how you treat your body and what you put in it for fuel. Exercising frequently is the key to losing weight and maintaining that loss once the weight is gone. This goes hand in hand with eating a healthy diet which will not only help you lose weight it will also give you enough energy to workout. It is a cycle. In order to lose weight you need to burn calories and doing yoga can help you achieve that goal but this will depend on the style of yoga you choose. You want a vigorous power, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga style class. These classes move quickly and really get your heart pumping which will result in greater calorie burn. Hour and a half classes such as these should be done 3-5 times a week to see weight loss results. This consistency will help you strengthen, lengthen and tone your muscles.

 

Can anyone do yoga?

In general, yes, the key to physical practice is to always practice within your own limits and abilities. The truth is that if you can breathe you can do yoga. Everyone can do some form of yoga. There is a perfect class for everybody and every “body”. Don’t limit yoga to the physical practices of asana work. For example, a person could practice in a chair, practice breathing techniques, meditate, take a breath-walk, or practice mindfulness. Find a practice that works for you and your body. If you have serious health problems, consult your health care provider before beginning any exercise program and tell your yoga instructor about any special problems or conditions. If any poses cause you pain, please notify your instructor immediately so that modifications can be made.

 

What do I need to begin taking a yoga class?

On the first day, you will not need to bring much other than yourself to class. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. You do not need specific clothing but loose, baggy clothes are not recommended. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. You might wish to bring a small towel. Mats and other props are available for your use at the studio.

 

Do I need to pre-register?

Pre-registration is not required. Please come 15-20 minutes prior to your first class so that you may fill out a simple form, meet with an instructor and get set up for the class.

 

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, Visa and MasterCard.

 

Which class is best for me?

If you are new to yoga then any of our basic level classes would be recommended. If you are new the studio but not to yoga then the class you choose would likely be dictated by what you are looking to achieve by coming to class. Stress reduction, flexibility, weight loss, peace of mind, etc.? We offer a wide variety of classes, one is sure to suit your needs.

 

What should I wear?

There isn’t any set outfit to wear for yoga, however, you will find that some types of clothing are better suited to practicing than others. Clothing should be made of comfortable, breathable material and allow for free range of motion. Clothing that is too tight will cut off circulation and impede energy flow. Clothing that is too loose or baggy will get in your way when practicing your postures. However, they do need to be form-fitted enough so that your instructor can make out body alignment underneath your clothes to give you proper feedback. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. It is also helpful to remove dangly jewelry and to pin up long hair.

 

How much are classes?

A drop-in class costs $15. The studio also offers many different class packages so there is sure to be something that will fit into your budget. Please visit the schedule/pricing page on the website for all the details.

 

What is your refund policy?

The 4, 8, and 12 class pass packages are non-refundable but do not expire. The Unlimited Monthly Passes do expire. They also are non-refundable, however, if circumstances warrant the date can be extended.

 

How often should I attend classes?

That depends on your schedule, however committing to one or two classes a week is a great way to start.

 

Will yoga affect my religion?

Yes and No. Yoga is a science not a religion. The science of yoga teaches those who practice it how to build a supple and flexible body and methods for quieting the mind so that a person can sit comfortably and undistracted in meditation for long periods of time. Whether a person calls it meditation or prayer– the more focused and concentrated the process the better the results. The practice of Yoga can be applied to any aspect of life and give a person to means to improve their practice.

 

Do you heat your classrooms to high temperatures?

No. The studio will, however, be kept comfortably warm.