Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoga? Yoga is an ancient science, an 8 limb path, as written down by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras over two thousand years ago. Yoga means "union" or " to yoke". Hatha ("ha" sun and "tha" moon in Sanskrit) refers to the 3rd limb of the path, the physical aspects of yoga. In a hatha yoga class we practice a sequence of "asanas" or postures to stretch and strengthen every area of the body creating balance and restoring all systems to optimal health.
Yogis developed the asanas to rid the body of toxins and imbalance. The goal is to be able to then forget the body so that the yogi can sit in meditation with a quiet mind and eventually reach transcendence (Samadhi). Mentally when the spine and vertebrae are aligned the mind is free to concentrate and meditate without distraction.
People of any belief system can practice yoga. Hatha yoga will just allow you to become a "better" you.
Why is the room heated? The room is heated to allow for deeper stretching and releasing of toxins. The heat helps to prevent injuries and allows for a greater release. Come to class well hydrated and don't be afraid of the heat, it feels good!
What if I am not flexible? This is a common misconception about yoga. Yoga is perfect for you because you are not flexible. Yoga, and the heat, will help increase your flexibility. As you stretch your body and spine you will build up strength and after just a few classes you will notice a change.
How do I start? Just come to class about 15 minutes before the class time. You can sign up in advance, Bring a bottle of water, a large towel and a sticky mat. You can borrow a sticky mat if it is your first class. Come dressed in comfortable clothes, wear nothing baggy. You might want to bring a change of clothes for after class.
What do I wear? Wear clothes that are comfortable and not too large. We practice in bare feet. You might like to bring a change of clothes for after class. Please do not wear perfumes or lotion to class.
Yogis developed the asanas to rid the body of toxins and imbalance. The goal is to be able to then forget the body so that the yogi can sit in meditation with a quiet mind and eventually reach transcendence (Samadhi). Mentally when the spine and vertebrae are aligned the mind is free to concentrate and meditate without distraction.
People of any belief system can practice yoga. Hatha yoga will just allow you to become a "better" you.
Why is the room heated? The room is heated to allow for deeper stretching and releasing of toxins. The heat helps to prevent injuries and allows for a greater release. Come to class well hydrated and don't be afraid of the heat, it feels good!
What if I am not flexible? This is a common misconception about yoga. Yoga is perfect for you because you are not flexible. Yoga, and the heat, will help increase your flexibility. As you stretch your body and spine you will build up strength and after just a few classes you will notice a change.
How do I start? Just come to class about 15 minutes before the class time. You can sign up in advance, Bring a bottle of water, a large towel and a sticky mat. You can borrow a sticky mat if it is your first class. Come dressed in comfortable clothes, wear nothing baggy. You might want to bring a change of clothes for after class.
What do I wear? Wear clothes that are comfortable and not too large. We practice in bare feet. You might like to bring a change of clothes for after class. Please do not wear perfumes or lotion to class.
Class Descriptions
Power Vinyasa and Power Hour are the same class just different terms for the 60 minutes vs. 75 or 90 minutes. This yoga is a vigorous vinyasa (continuous flow) class that builds upper body strength, flexibility and stamina. This class is based on the Baron Baptiste Vinyasa Flow. It is designed for students of all levels seeking a challenge. Even though the room is "lighted heated" (85-90 degrees) come prepared to sweat!
Intermediate:
This class offers greater variation and more challenging postures—specifically more inversions, deeper binds and more developed twists. Come with an open mind, try some new things, and challenge yourself. We warm up with vinyasa and then work into other poses. (It is expected that you have been practicing yoga consistently and know the sanskrit names of the basic poses and are familiar with correct alignment). Currently we are not offering this class, it will return to our schedule.
Restorative Class: Is a practice of resting deeply where there is no tension, movement, or effort. A typical restorative class will place you in specific poses on your mat where your body is supported by blocks, bolsters and blankets; allowing your body and mind space to heal and relax. Poses are held for longer times, you might have 4 or 5 poses in a 90 minute class. This class is a great balance to the vigorius practice of the Baptiste Flow. This class is "room temperature". All poses are done on the floor. Register on line for this class. Space is limited to 9. Your spot is guarenteed. " Drop ins" are welcome if space is available.
Yin yoga: is a powerful practice that targets the connective tissue of the body including ligaments, joints and fascia. Each pose is held for longer periods of time to enourage the slow and safe opening of these tissues, leaving you with a sense of lightness, spaciousness and peace. This practice is simple but not easy. Great for athletes and anyone else with an active lifestyle looking to create more room in her/his body
Intermediate:
This class offers greater variation and more challenging postures—specifically more inversions, deeper binds and more developed twists. Come with an open mind, try some new things, and challenge yourself. We warm up with vinyasa and then work into other poses. (It is expected that you have been practicing yoga consistently and know the sanskrit names of the basic poses and are familiar with correct alignment). Currently we are not offering this class, it will return to our schedule.
Restorative Class: Is a practice of resting deeply where there is no tension, movement, or effort. A typical restorative class will place you in specific poses on your mat where your body is supported by blocks, bolsters and blankets; allowing your body and mind space to heal and relax. Poses are held for longer times, you might have 4 or 5 poses in a 90 minute class. This class is a great balance to the vigorius practice of the Baptiste Flow. This class is "room temperature". All poses are done on the floor. Register on line for this class. Space is limited to 9. Your spot is guarenteed. " Drop ins" are welcome if space is available.
Yin yoga: is a powerful practice that targets the connective tissue of the body including ligaments, joints and fascia. Each pose is held for longer periods of time to enourage the slow and safe opening of these tissues, leaving you with a sense of lightness, spaciousness and peace. This practice is simple but not easy. Great for athletes and anyone else with an active lifestyle looking to create more room in her/his body
Benefits of a Yin Yoga Practice
We have recently added a Yin Yoga class to the schedule and plan on offering it twice a week. Here is a partial list as to why we want you in class!
- Improves range of motion and flexibility.
- Passively lengthen the muscles through stressing the fascial bags that wrap the muscle fibers. This can be especially useful for the larger, more stubborn muscle groups such as the hamstrings and adductors.
- Reduces adhesions, which restrict movement between the sliding surfaces of our muscles.
- Stimulates growth of fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for creating collagen, elastin, and the water-loving molecules that hydrate our tissues and joints.
- Make our ligaments thicker and stronger through greater collagen production.
- Improves lubrication through greater hydration of our tissues, which allows joints to move and fascia to slide more easily.
- Keeps skin younger looking through hydration, which provides room for cells to migrate through the extra-cellular matrix.
- Compress the extra-cellular matrix to liquefy the ground substance, which is often in a gel-like state, allowing toxins to flow out of the tissues.
- Stimulates the chondrocytes and osteoblasts, which create cartilage and bone, helping to reduce degeneration of these tissues.
- Re-establishes the normal lordotic curves in the spine, specifically in the lumbar but also the cervical spine.
- Prevent or reduce contracture, where the ligaments and the joint capsule shrink and reduce the joint’s mobility.
- Reduce osteopenia and osteoporosis, which are dangerous reductions on bone density.
- Reduce fixation, a condition that limits the movement of our joints, and thus prevents fusion, a permanent loss of mobility in the joint.
Yoga Tips
The following recommendations are to help you get the most out of your yoga practice.
Drink Water
Come to class well hydrated. Sweat helps to cool the body. A well-hydrated body will sweat quickly and efficiently helping you release toxins and stay cool in a heated room. Drink plenty of water even on days you don't come to class. (Don't chug water right before class, you will feel uncomfortable especially in the floor postures.)
Breathe
Breathe smoothly and evenly. Let your breathe flow. We practice Ujjayi breath- (victorious breath) with our vinyasa class.Breathing is the most inportant aspect of your yoga practice. Keeping your mouth closed and taking air in through your nose will keep you cooler in the room.. Check yourself during class to make sure you are not holding your breath.
Focus on Yourself
Focus your attention on you with complete awareness. This class is for you. (Practicing with complete attention is advanced yoga even if you are a beginner). Work on proper alignment and do the best you can in each particular moment. You will get the benefits of the yoga immediately.
Build a Foundation
Wherever you are in a posture is your yoga. Be content with where you are. You build up strength from the inside out. Listen to your body and be kind. Be patient with yourself and honor your own path.
Cultivate a Practice
The more yoga you do the faster you will see the benefits. Find a schedule thats fits and that you can commit to. Three times a week is a good place to start.
Communicate
Speak to the instructors about any concerns before class. We are here to help guide you in your practice. Please let us know if you have an injury, have had surgeries, stressful situations, medications or if you need clarifications or modifications for certain postures. Please let us know if you become pregnant. We have modifications for students that continue their practice while pregnant and certain yogis can do yoga all through their practice.
Avoid Injury
Pushing yourself too fast into a posture could result in an injury. Cultivate awareness. Listen to your body. Take personal responsibility for your practice.You should not feel that you are straining to breathe or hold a posture. If so, you have gone too far too soon.
Drink Water
Come to class well hydrated. Sweat helps to cool the body. A well-hydrated body will sweat quickly and efficiently helping you release toxins and stay cool in a heated room. Drink plenty of water even on days you don't come to class. (Don't chug water right before class, you will feel uncomfortable especially in the floor postures.)
Breathe
Breathe smoothly and evenly. Let your breathe flow. We practice Ujjayi breath- (victorious breath) with our vinyasa class.Breathing is the most inportant aspect of your yoga practice. Keeping your mouth closed and taking air in through your nose will keep you cooler in the room.. Check yourself during class to make sure you are not holding your breath.
Focus on Yourself
Focus your attention on you with complete awareness. This class is for you. (Practicing with complete attention is advanced yoga even if you are a beginner). Work on proper alignment and do the best you can in each particular moment. You will get the benefits of the yoga immediately.
Build a Foundation
Wherever you are in a posture is your yoga. Be content with where you are. You build up strength from the inside out. Listen to your body and be kind. Be patient with yourself and honor your own path.
Cultivate a Practice
The more yoga you do the faster you will see the benefits. Find a schedule thats fits and that you can commit to. Three times a week is a good place to start.
Communicate
Speak to the instructors about any concerns before class. We are here to help guide you in your practice. Please let us know if you have an injury, have had surgeries, stressful situations, medications or if you need clarifications or modifications for certain postures. Please let us know if you become pregnant. We have modifications for students that continue their practice while pregnant and certain yogis can do yoga all through their practice.
Avoid Injury
Pushing yourself too fast into a posture could result in an injury. Cultivate awareness. Listen to your body. Take personal responsibility for your practice.You should not feel that you are straining to breathe or hold a posture. If so, you have gone too far too soon.
