yoga faq
Most people have so many questions when they first come to yoga that they don’t know where to begin. Here, we offer up some of the most common questions and answers.
what does “yoga” mean?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite”. As a practice, it is a scientific system for achieving total health, mental, and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the United States, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, or the physical part of yoga; however, these poses, or asana, are only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga.
can beginners attend classes ?
Absolutely, we all start somewhere. We welcome you as you are, providing a space that nurtures and supports you on your yoga journey.
how often should i practice?
Ideally, yoga is meant to be a daily practice. As that is quite overwhelming to a beginner, we recommend you set a goal you can realistically keep. Consistency is the key—it’s far better to attend one class per week without fail than to attend four classes one week, none for the next two weeks, one the next week, etc. The more you practice, the better you will feel, and the more you will want to practice.
i can’t sit still and can’t touch my toes. is yoga for me?
One of the great things about yoga is it brings us all to the same common denominator—we all have the same struggles and worries, and though everyone comes in a different body, each of us has a path to travel to make it a more comfortable place to live. People come to yoga with differing levels of experience, but there is room for everyone. We are ALL learning. Talk to us, and we can point you in the right direction.
what if i can’t do a pose?
Yoga is about baby steps, we must crawl before we can walk and walk before we can run. Ask the instructor for a modification if one is not offered. We stress the non-competitive nature of yoga and invite you to make the practice your own, — honoring your body and doing what is best for you—not forcing yourself into a shape that you aren’t ready for.
is yoga a workout? will i lose weight?
The answer depends on the style of yoga you select, as well as the frequency and intensity with which you practice. Although the focus in yoga is about balance, healing, and reconnecting, a regular practice will not only open your and offer you a fresh perspective on your life, but it also will absolutely change your body. While not an intense aerobic workout, it does burn calories as you create long lean muscles and cultivate flexibility and greater range of motion in the joints. Just as important, as you move into an improved state of well-being, you will make choices off the mat that also improve your health.
is yoga a religion?
Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious to practice. It has been practiced by individuals of widely differing beliefs and any and all people are welcome at yoga. In order to practice, you only need to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves, that there is always more to learn, and that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that tie us down. At the heart is the openness to see we have not yet tapped into our highest potential as human beings. Yoga seeks to put us in touch with our spiritual core—our innermost nature—that which or who we truly are.
do i need to bring anything?
Although we have yoga mats to loan, you need to have your own mat if you are going to practice yoga. It’s more hygienic, and more importantly, having your own mat will make it much more likely you will unroll it at home. The mats we sell in the studio are eco yoga mats. They are a little more expensive than “regular” mats, but they last longer, are free of toxins, and are completely biodegradable. If you are attending an power or strength class, please bring a hand towel. You might also want to bring water, though we suggest you drink before and after, and not during practice.
why is the room so warm?
We keep the studio between 74 – 80 degrees year-round. This helps aid your muscles and joints, preparing them for your practice. We want to build heat in the body, riding ourselves of anything that does not serve us. we are detoxifing the body.
can i leave during class?
In order to keep disruptions to a minimum, please plan to arrive on time and stay for the entire class. If for some reason you need to leave early, please let the instructor know in advance. You are, of course, always welcome to enter and exit the studio (quietly) during class to use the restroom.
do i need to sign up in advance?
If you’d like to attend a workshop we do suggest you register in advance. For regular classes, you do not have to make a reservation, though you may if you like, using our WebScheduler.
i’d like to bring yoga to my workplace. do you offer that service?
We do. Our instructors have experience in offices, hospitals, and schools, as well as offering special team-building classes at the studio for corporate groups. We want to promote yoga as a practice for living a happier, healthier life; a practice that is accessible to everyone. We are committed to offering yoga anywhere and everywhere we can.
ok. so i am ready to take my first class, what should i expect?
Please arrive at the studio about 15-20 minutes before class time. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted in the welcome room and asked to sign a registration form. You can sign in and pay for your class there. You’ll be shown where to leave your personal items, reminded to turn off your cell phone, and directed into the studio where you can set up your mat and stretch or meet the other students in the room. Arriving early will also give you time to ask the teacher any questions you might have, and tell him/her about any injuries or physical conditions he/she should know about. It is imperative we know if you are pregnant or are dealing with an acute injury.