Frequently Asked Questions about YOGA . . .

 

 

Yoga, in its essence is not only an alternative type of exercise. It regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its journey towards perfection. Yogic physical exercises are designed to develop not only the body, but also the mental faculties and the spiritual capacities. Our objective is to provide you a studio environment where you can extend your physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries. Here are a few responses to frequently asked questions about YOGA.

1) What is yoga? The best way to describe yoga is probably to say that it is a way of life. The yoga we are most familiar with in the West is called "Hatha Yoga," or the "yoga of movement." However, there are seven other yogic pathways, all of which deal primarily with the spiritual, emotional, and mental realms.

Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago (a lot longer than any fitness trend!). The word "yoga" means "union," or, simply put, the union of mind, body, and spirit. All of the eight yogic paths have this union as their goal.

2) Is yoga a religion? No. Yoga is not a religion. It has no bible or other doctrine that its students follow. Instead, it is a practical system for healthy living, which includes movement, diet, and a set of ethical principles (such as non-violence, and self-restraint, for example).

3) Must I be fit or flexible to practice yoga? No! We offer classes for all ages, levels of fitness and flexibility. Secondly, yoga is NOT a competitive sport! Instead, yoga helps us to look at our bodies and ourselves from the inside out. Our studio has no mirrors. We encourage you not to compare yourself to the student next to you. Yoga is experiential . . . it is not a performance art. So, whoever you are, however old you are, however long it has been since you stretched or moved, yoga is for YOU!

4) Do I need any past yoga experience to attend class? No! You can try any basic yoga or beginner class on our schedule. If you have injuries or haven't moved for awhile, we recommend taking a Gentle Yoga class first.

5) I have a previous injury. Can I still try yoga? Yes! If you suffer from back or neck pain, repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome), arthritis, bursitis, or osteoporosis, you can not only try yoga, you're bound to benefit from it. Just see your instructor at the beginning of class to discuss your individual health circumstances.

Please note, however: If you suffer from any severe or unusual medical conditions (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, a previous head/neurological injury, a high-risk pregnancy, etc.), it is your responsibility to get permission from your personal physician before embarking on any new exercise program. Again, please inform your instructor of any and all individual health concerns before class.

6) What should I wear/bring to class? First off, come ready to practice in bare feet. This is the traditional (and safest) way to practice. The sticky mats we use in class (you can bring your own or use the ones we provide) are further insurance that you don't slip while you practice. Wear loose, baggy, or stretchy clothing, such as a t-shirt and shorts or leggings. Wear a light layer over your t-shirt if you get cold easily.

7) How can I incorporate yoga into my fitness routine at the gym? Most people use yoga to complement every thing else they like to do...but only a few people use yoga as their primary exercise. Practicing yoga will help your body both to become stronger and more flexible...which helps with your gym plan. However, the more you practice the gym plan, the more it interferes with the progression of yoga.

In other words, if you love the gym plan more than the yoga, the yoga will help you to continue with the gym as you grow older...it will help to reduce injury and will help to repair injury should it occur. On the
other hand, if you decide you want to really progress with the yoga, the gym slows the progression of your yoga.

Although yoga complements the gym, and the gym limits how far you can go with the yoga, only you can decide which is more important to you"