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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pre-register to try out a class?
If I am new to yoga which class would you recommend?
If I practiced yoga many years ago but haven't done anything recently which class would you recommend starting with?
If I have a strong, consistent, regular practice which class would you recommend?
What is yoga?
What are the main kinds of yoga?
What is hatha yoga?
What's the best way to get started practicing yoga?
How often can I do yoga?
I'm not very flexible, can I still do yoga?
Does yoga help relieve stress?
Should I be concerned about injuring myself during yoga practice?
What are the benefits of the yoga postures?
I am a first time student, how do I prepare for class?
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1. Do I have to pre-register for adult classes to try one out?
No, you do not need to pre-register for our regular on-going adult classes. Only our specialty classes require registration such as prenatal yoga, meditation and yoga for kids. Your first class is complimentary and you can join us anytime! Please arrive 10-15 minutes early your first time to fill out a new student form.
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2. If I am new to yoga which class would you recommend?
We would suggest you take Level 1/2.
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3. If I practiced yoga many years ago but haven't done anything recently which class would you recommend starting with?
If you are in good health and have no recent injuries we suggest you start with Level 1/2 to reacquaint yourself with the practice. You are welcome to attend any class anytime, we just don't want you to jump back into an intermediate/advanced practice and become frustrated. There is plenty of time to allow for a sweet evolution.
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4. If I have a strong, consistent, regular practice which class would you recommend?
You will have a lot of sweaty, mindful fun in Level 2 or Level 2/3 or Level 3.
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5. What is yoga?
The word YOGA means “union” in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. Yoga is rooted in the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind; and, you can experience the mind/body connection using the breath as a bridge. Through exploring and cultivating this connection, harmony and union is created in ourselves and with the world around us.
In essence, it works like this: stress and tension cause the body to tighten-up, it has the same effect on the body as aging. Tension literally blocks off the energy flow. In yoga, you use the poses and the breath to learn to open every constricted area of the body and mind. This helps to release and erase tension that would otherwise accumulate and eventually be experienced as discomfort and ultimately disease. As the body relaxes and opens, the mind also becomes calm and less busy.
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6. What are the main kinds of yoga?
The most widely practiced and best known type of yoga in the United States is hatha yoga which includes all physical yoga; it mainly consists of postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation. There are five other branches of yoga including:
  • Raja, yoga of physical and mental control, is based on the eight limbs of author Patanjali and includes moral precepts, postures, breathing and meditation.
  • Karma, yoga of service, in which the practitioner dedicates all actions toward spiritual evolution.
  • Jnana, yoga of knowledge or wisdom.
  • Bhakti, yoga of love and devotion, and often includes chanting.
  • Tantra, ritual yoga to awaken energy in the body.
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7. What is hatha yoga?
Hatha yoga encompasses all physical-oriented practices involving poses (asanas) and is the type of yoga most commonly practiced in the West today. In fact, most yoga styles popular today, such as Anusara, Astanga, Iyengar, Forrest Method, JivaMukti, ISHTA, Kripalu, Vinyasa Flow, Bikram and Integral, all fall under the umbrella of Hatha yoga.
Today there is a move by many teachers toward an eclecticism that combines two or more approaches.
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8. What's the best way to get started practicing yoga?
A daily practice routine is best but given the "busy-ness" in our lives, this seems almost impossible for most of us. Try to practice according to how you feel, perhaps this means a little each day or longer practices three times a week; determine the routine that works best for you, whether you practice at home, in a class, or in a combination of the two. In order to create a home practice, set aside the same time every day so you will develop a habit of practicing, just like the daily habit of brushing your teeth. Practice at a time that fits into your life. Some people like early mornings before work, others prefer first thing on returning home at the end of the day. Others like the mid-morning quiet time when children have left for school.
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9. How often can I do yoga?
You can do yoga as often as your body wants to, literally. You can do it once a month or twice a day. The best rule of thumb is what makes your body feel good. If you find that you are not advancing in your practice and each time it feels like you are starting over, you should consider doing yoga more frequently. If, however, you find you are always sore and in pain, you are most likely over doing it and should give your body more time to heal and rest between sessions.
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10. I'm not very flexible, can I still do yoga?
Yes, in fact, you are exactly who should be doing yoga. Yoga is for everyone! You just need to know where your limits are and have patience with yourself. Some people are naturally more flexible whereas others require daily practice. Also, yoga is much more than just flexibility. It addresses strength, stamina, and concentration, helps reduce stress, improves circulation, and is a lot of fun too!
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11. Does yoga help relieve stress?
Yes, yoga is one of the best ways to reduce the stress in your life. Yoga teaches you to relax and focus within your practice. With a little time this discipline becomes a part of your everyday life. People will begin asking you how you remain so calm in such a stressful world.
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12. Should I be concerned about injuring myself during yoga practice?
A qualified and caring teacher will share ways of practicing that are safe. Nonetheless, always pay attention to your body. Some days you may feel stronger or more flexible than other days. Learn to distinguish the pain of growth from the pain of injury. Stretches should be felt in the body of the muscle, never at the insertions near the joints. No pain felt in a joint itself is beneficial. Numbness or tingling could be nerve pain and is a sign to stop. If it continues, consult a health professional. Be sure to inform your teacher if you have any special conditions like a hiatus hernia or high blood pressure, for example. Taking these simple precautions should help your practice.
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13. What are the benefits of the yoga postures?
The sincere practice of Yoga postures benefits all levels of experience: From the restoration of balance, flexibility, poise, health and well being to the body, to the cultivation of mental equanimity, emotional balance, and inner strength.
On a physical level Yoga postures stimulate the glands, organs, muscles and nerves in ways that traditional exercise cannot. Muscle tightness and strain is quickly relieved and both circulation and digestion improves. Stress-related symptoms like poor sleep, fatigue, muscle spasms, anxiety, and indigestion are greatly improved. Yoga postures can have a profound effect on the inner dimensions of life, establishing deep calm, concentration, emotional stability and confidence. Through regular yoga practice, total body yoga will provide members with overall, "total body" wellness including:
  • Reduced stress, one of the predominant concerns in people’s lives today
  • Improved sleep and energy levels
  • Increased range of motion and flexibility
  • Memory improves
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Better body tone
  • Increased strength and endurance
  • Improved balance and steadiness
  • Improved digestion
  • Natural weight loss
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Anxiety and depression decrease
  • Cardiovascular efficiency increases
  • Relaxed and clear mind
  • Increased agility
  • Improved coordination
  • Improved posture
  • Increased body awareness
  • Mental
  • relaxation
  • Strengthened immune system
  • Concentration improves
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14. I am a first time student, how do I prepare for class?
Before Yoga
Be sure that you wear comfortable clothing that will not get in the way of stretching. Blue jeans are definitely out.
Do not eat for at least two to three hours before your class or scheduled practice; some students prefer to wait even longer.
If you are practicing at home, gather your mat, two or three blankets, and a soft cloth to cover your eyes for a deep lying-down relaxation at the end of the session. It is distracting to have to be running around the house looking for props. Pick a room which will afford you both the padding of carpet for lying down poses as well as a firm bare surface for standing and balancing poses.
During Yoga
The most important thing to remember during a practice, whether in class or at home, is that practicing is an exploration. Each pose is an experiment. Go slowly and listen to your body. Learn to determine whether you are pushing yourself too hard or lightly challenging yourself to try a little more. And remember to breathe. When you are breathing in harmony with your movements, you are paying attention in a deep way. Paying attention not only prevents injury but also is at the heart of what yoga is all about.
After Yoga
After the relaxation pose at the end of your session, note how you feel. If there is a feeling of lightness and equanimity in your body and nervous system, you are on the right track. Remember that yoga is not about touching your toes, but what you learn about yourself on the way down to touch your toes. Compassionate discipline is the key.
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