Frequently Asked Questions for Yoga
What does 'Yoga' mean?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite.” As a practice, it is a scientific system for achieving total health, mental, and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the west, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, or the physical part of yoga; however, these poses, or asana, are only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga. The beginners course will introduce you to the concepts of all the eight limbs of yoga.
Is Yoga or meditation religious?
Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. The yoga and meditation classes that I teach do not have any religious alignment.
What if I'm not flexible?
The more inflexible you are, the more you'll notice the benefits of yoga! The beginners class gives modifications of the postures to suit all levels, and blocks/straps are available for use as props as needed.
I can't sit still for 2 minutes. Can I learn to meditate?
Meditation can help you let go of mental chatter "monkey mind", release stress, sleep better and deal with whatever life throws at you in a calmer and more clear headed way. You'll get to try several different meditation techniques, so you can take which ever ones suited you best with you to practice at home.
What happens in a yoga class?
Classes generally start with a short discussion (introducing a new concept for the week), 5-10minutes of warm up stretches, sun salutations (a warm up sequence that moves the body through every plane of movement), standing postures (held for 5 breaths each), seated postures and a closing posture sequence. There will be at least 5 minutes of rest lying down "savasana" or "corpse pose" to close the practice
Can I eat or drink before class?
Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours before class as your stomach may feel uncomfortable. Keep yourself hydrated before class with small sips of water. We do not usually drink water during an ashtanga yoga practice (before or after class is recommended), however take sips of water if you need to especially in hot weather.
What should I wear for class?
Wear stretchy, breathable clothing. Ensure you can comfortably lunge or stretch in wide legged poses in pants (also check nothing will be visible if you in downward facing dog pose in shorts!). Baggy tops can flip up over your head in poses such as down-dog and it can be harder for your teacher to check your alignment if your clothing is very loose. Normal gym clothing is fine (tank or tee with leggings or shorts), or anything you feel comfortable to move in. Remove jewellry, socks and shoes and refrain from strongly scented perfumes or lotions as others may have sensitivies to fragrances. There are no mirrors to distract you in the studio.
What should I bring?
Bring a yoga mat (mats also available to borrow on site if you don't have your own yet), water, a towel and warm clothing if you are staying for meditation.
Is this the same as hot yoga?
No, ashtanga vinyasa yoga is generally practiced in a warm room (28 degrees). The type of breathing we learn and the movements naturally warm and heat the body and begin a detoxifying sweat without the need of excessive heat. One of my teachers gives his point of view on overheating in yoga studios in this blog entry. There is an airconditioner in the studio for extremely hot days (I generally teach a more yin or restorative style on extremely hot days to cool the body).
There are many lineages of yoga, different styles may resonate with you at different times so feel free to explore!
What if I'm pregnant?
Yoga is a wonderful practice to do during pregnancy; however we recommend you attend a prenatal class, which is specifically designed and specialized just for pregnancy. It is recommended that you check with your health care professional before beginning yoga. Please ask me for contact details for prenatal yoga teachers if you need help finding a suitable teacher.
What if I'm injured/have a medical condition?
Firstly get an OK from your medical practioner. Please also chat to me before signing up for the yoga class, you may still be able to practice using a modified version of postures and props. Remember to respect and listen to your body.
Will I lose weight?
Yoga is not about weight loss, but the physical asana practice will tone muscles. It benefits all the organs of the body, helps the body to deal with stress and gives you a different perspective on life and the choices you make which when combined can help students to find their ideal balance.
Is this class suitable if I play other sports?
Yoga can really help to balance out the body, as many sports focus on certain muscle groups or use the body one-sided. Yoga both strengthens and stretches muscles, as well as moves the body in all planes of motion. It can prevent reduce injury risk, increase flexibility and strength. The breathing techniques used help to maximize lung capacity and the mental concentration required during a yoga practice improves focus and mental clarity.
What facilities does the studio have?
All studios have changing rooms, toilets, airconditioning and yoga mats to rent on site. The Yoga Centre has plentiful free car parking around in the evenings. Kanti Yoga has a carpark just behind the studio.
I’d like to bring yoga to my workplace. Do you offer that service?
Yes, I can organize to teach private groups at your home, sporting club, workplace or in the studio. More information here or please send me an email.
What does 'Yoga' mean?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite.” As a practice, it is a scientific system for achieving total health, mental, and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the west, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, or the physical part of yoga; however, these poses, or asana, are only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga. The beginners course will introduce you to the concepts of all the eight limbs of yoga.
Is Yoga or meditation religious?
Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. The yoga and meditation classes that I teach do not have any religious alignment.
What if I'm not flexible?
The more inflexible you are, the more you'll notice the benefits of yoga! The beginners class gives modifications of the postures to suit all levels, and blocks/straps are available for use as props as needed.
I can't sit still for 2 minutes. Can I learn to meditate?
Meditation can help you let go of mental chatter "monkey mind", release stress, sleep better and deal with whatever life throws at you in a calmer and more clear headed way. You'll get to try several different meditation techniques, so you can take which ever ones suited you best with you to practice at home.
What happens in a yoga class?
Classes generally start with a short discussion (introducing a new concept for the week), 5-10minutes of warm up stretches, sun salutations (a warm up sequence that moves the body through every plane of movement), standing postures (held for 5 breaths each), seated postures and a closing posture sequence. There will be at least 5 minutes of rest lying down "savasana" or "corpse pose" to close the practice
Can I eat or drink before class?
Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours before class as your stomach may feel uncomfortable. Keep yourself hydrated before class with small sips of water. We do not usually drink water during an ashtanga yoga practice (before or after class is recommended), however take sips of water if you need to especially in hot weather.
What should I wear for class?
Wear stretchy, breathable clothing. Ensure you can comfortably lunge or stretch in wide legged poses in pants (also check nothing will be visible if you in downward facing dog pose in shorts!). Baggy tops can flip up over your head in poses such as down-dog and it can be harder for your teacher to check your alignment if your clothing is very loose. Normal gym clothing is fine (tank or tee with leggings or shorts), or anything you feel comfortable to move in. Remove jewellry, socks and shoes and refrain from strongly scented perfumes or lotions as others may have sensitivies to fragrances. There are no mirrors to distract you in the studio.
What should I bring?
Bring a yoga mat (mats also available to borrow on site if you don't have your own yet), water, a towel and warm clothing if you are staying for meditation.
Is this the same as hot yoga?
No, ashtanga vinyasa yoga is generally practiced in a warm room (28 degrees). The type of breathing we learn and the movements naturally warm and heat the body and begin a detoxifying sweat without the need of excessive heat. One of my teachers gives his point of view on overheating in yoga studios in this blog entry. There is an airconditioner in the studio for extremely hot days (I generally teach a more yin or restorative style on extremely hot days to cool the body).
There are many lineages of yoga, different styles may resonate with you at different times so feel free to explore!
What if I'm pregnant?
Yoga is a wonderful practice to do during pregnancy; however we recommend you attend a prenatal class, which is specifically designed and specialized just for pregnancy. It is recommended that you check with your health care professional before beginning yoga. Please ask me for contact details for prenatal yoga teachers if you need help finding a suitable teacher.
What if I'm injured/have a medical condition?
Firstly get an OK from your medical practioner. Please also chat to me before signing up for the yoga class, you may still be able to practice using a modified version of postures and props. Remember to respect and listen to your body.
Will I lose weight?
Yoga is not about weight loss, but the physical asana practice will tone muscles. It benefits all the organs of the body, helps the body to deal with stress and gives you a different perspective on life and the choices you make which when combined can help students to find their ideal balance.
Is this class suitable if I play other sports?
Yoga can really help to balance out the body, as many sports focus on certain muscle groups or use the body one-sided. Yoga both strengthens and stretches muscles, as well as moves the body in all planes of motion. It can prevent reduce injury risk, increase flexibility and strength. The breathing techniques used help to maximize lung capacity and the mental concentration required during a yoga practice improves focus and mental clarity.
What facilities does the studio have?
All studios have changing rooms, toilets, airconditioning and yoga mats to rent on site. The Yoga Centre has plentiful free car parking around in the evenings. Kanti Yoga has a carpark just behind the studio.
I’d like to bring yoga to my workplace. Do you offer that service?
Yes, I can organize to teach private groups at your home, sporting club, workplace or in the studio. More information here or please send me an email.