FAQ

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What is yoga?
This is a question that could take a lifetime to answer. Most simply, yoga, an ancient practice, is the union of body, mind and spirit.

"You are not just a person whom we see with our eyes. There is an unlimited source within you, which you can unfold, little by little. The unfolding of the real you, or the Divine you, within the ordinary you is called Yoga. The potentiality, the divinity, is there, and you try to unfold it." ~ Swami Satchidananda

I’m new to yoga, what can I expect?
Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey to build strength, flexibility and balance. Be compassionate and patient with yourself. A great place to start is with our Beginner Yoga Series. And, click here to view Beginners Schedule class times.

How often should I practice?
Do something each day. Initially, there is a great benefit to completing 10–15 classes in 30 days. This will give you a solid physical and intellectual base from which to launch your practice. After that, a consistent practice of 2–3 classes per week will help achieve the changes you desire over time. For life-changing results, come 4–6 times per week.

What are the benefits of yoga?
A consistent yoga practice can help to create change: improved flexibility, increased strength, balance and emotional well-being, deeper relaxation, sounder sleep and relief from stress and pain.

Where to start?
Beginning students are welcome to join the following yoga classes: Classic, Hatha Basics, Hatha Blend, Hatha Gentle, Iyengar 1 and Vinyasa Flow. In addition, we offer a Beginner Yoga Series, which is designed for students who are new to yoga. Detailed instructions and modifications are given in these classes.

Can I come to a yoga class if I have health concerns or limitations?
Yoga is for everyone! Please inform your teacher regarding any concerns, injuries or conditions before class. Our teachers can modify the poses to help you practice safely and intelligently.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome.

What are props and why are they used?
The use of props allows the practitioner to access the benefits of the postures regardless of physical condition, age or number of years you have practiced. Props include sticky mats, blankets, belts, blocks, chairs and other objects that help students comfortably experience various yoga poses. Props provide support for the body, allow the mind to relax, and help the practitioner receive the benefits of yoga.

What should I bring to class?
Come with an open heart and mind.

We provide all the props. You may bring your own yoga mat if you prefer. Please be on time. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to change clothes, sign in and ensure a space in the classroom.

What should I wear?
Be comfortable. Wear loose clothing that allows for free movement. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. Please do not wear perfume, scented products or heavy jewelry.

Can I eat before class?
Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We suggest waiting an hour after a light meal and a few hours after a heavy meal.

Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
Absolutely not! Yoga is beneficial for people with tight muscles and joints. Yoga strives to find a balance between strength and flexibility. Through attention to correct alignment and the use of props, stiff muscles are safely stretched and aligned.

What shape do I need to be in to begin yoga?
Since we are located upstairs, you need to be able to walk up a flight of stairs.

Beginning yoga classes are a safe place to begin practicing regardless of your fitness level. The yoga postures can be modified to meet the individual needs of the student. New students can quickly experience increased energy and general well-being.

What is asana?
Asana is the Sanskrit term for pose or posture.

"Asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit."
~ B. K. S. Iyengar

What does namaste mean?
"I honor the place within you where the entire Universe resides; I honor the place within you of love, of light, of truth, of peace; I honor the place within you, where, when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us." ~ Mahatma Gandhi