About Yoga

What will a Yoga Class be Like?

Classes will focus on learning the asanas or yoga poses and pranayama which are breathing practices. Yoga poses develop flexibility and strength and often bring a greater sense of well-being, vitality, and health. The poses are sequenced to help the student feel refreshed and more centered by the end of class. Classes build on each other systematically as the students learn the different types of poses.

Who can Practice Yoga?

The benefits of yoga are accesible to anyone, regardless of flexibility level, age, or strength. It can be practiced by the young or elderly, those new to physical activity or athletes.

What are the Benefits of Yoga?

Yoga can help increase flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Students often experience a sense of great well-being and vitality. With consistent practice over time, students also develop inner awareness, equanimity, and a quieter state of mind.

What Should I Wear?

Students should wear loose fitting clothing such as shorts or leggings and a T-shirt. Poses are done with bare feet.

What Should I Bring?

If you have a yoga mat, please bring it with you to class.

What does the work Yoga mean?

The word yoga is derived from the sanskrit word "Yuj" which means to yoke and means also union. Yoga is the system of unifying the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self.

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar yoga emphasizes alignment and awareness in poses, which enhance flexibility, strength, and sensitivity, to bring well-being and health to the body, mind, heart and spirit. Systematic instruction, using props such as blocks and belts when needed, allows students to skillfully align the physical body. When the physical body is aligned, the nervous system becomes soothed and the mind becomes quieter. The use of props makes yoga accessible to everyone and allows students to work at their own level.

What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are outlined in the Yoga Sutras, which were written by Patanjali about 2000 years ago. The eight limbs are: Yama - Ethics, Niyama - Personal Practices, Asana - Poses, Pranayama - breathing practices, Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses, Dharana - concentration, Dhyana - meditation, Samadhi - absorption

Is Yoga a Religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a system of heightening self awareness and consciousness. It is practiced by people of all beliefs.

How is Yoga Different From Exercise?

Yoga poses are practiced with awareness of the body, mind and breath to bring about unification of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. Yoga practices develop the entire self and so the benefits are much greater than regular exercise.

What Does "Namaste" Mean?

Classes end by the teacher and students saying Namaste (na-ma-stay). This sanskrit word means "the sacred in me honors the sacred in you, and when we are in that place, we are one".

What is the Om?

Classes begin with chanting the Om. Om is said to be the sound that resonates in every atom in the universe. Chanting Om before class helps to focus the mind to practice yoga with awareness and brings a sense of connection with all things.

How Often Should I Take a Class?

A minimum of one weekly class is recommended, if possible, and students can take as often as desired.

How Often Should I Practice at Home?

Yoga practice is dependent on the needs and desires of the student. Practice should be as regular as possible, but should not be a burden. Focus on the quality of your practice. If possible, practice daily but any amount of practice will bring discernable benefits. You can start with a short amount of time, perhaps 10-20 minutes 3 times a week, and build up from there.