NEW TO YOGA
Stepping into yoga is a challenging experience, but it can also be a joyful and exciting one as it will enable you to reconnect with your body, mind and spirit, leading you to a healthier lifestyle on both a physical and emotional level.Below, we've included some of our most common questions asked with responses.
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how you can begin your yoga practice!
What is Yoga?
The word "Yoga" in Sanskrit means "union." Yoga is a 3,000 (at least!) year old practice of uniting one's body, mind and spirit. Practicing yoga helps you strengthen your body and soothe your mind! The type of yoga that is most commonly practiced in the West is Hatha Yoga, which literally means "Physical Force". Hatha Yoga is a physical system of poses (asanas) and breathing techniques designed to promote health and wellness.
Has it been "proven" that Yoga is good for you?
Yes. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years, and the evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from practicing yoga. For example, a recent study with heart patients showed that those who followed a stress reduction program that included yoga did better that patients who exercised or did nothing. Further, preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that yoga may be helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety, stress and more.
Can I do yoga, even though I'm...?
Yes! Anyone can do yoga - no matter how young or old you are, whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete. Size and fitness level do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose. The idea is to explore your own limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection.
How do I get started?
New students should start with Gentle Yoga or Yoga I and inform the instructor that you are new to the practice of yoga.
Many people have given up on yoga after only a few classes because they tried to push themselves too hard at the beginning rather than ease their way into a new practice. Pushing beyond your level of experience and personal limitations may be discouraging to you and may even cause an injury. Remember to inform your yoga teacher of any challenges or injuries you may have, and also let them know what your level of fitness is.
What if I'm not as good as others in my class?
Yoga is not a competition, so don’t let yourself get pressured to compete with anyone else. Many yoga students get hurt while trying to keep up with the instructor or other students. You have nothing to prove! It is better to practice a partial pose with good form than a full pose with poor form. You will still receive all the benefits from the pose, but without injury. Our studio is fully stocked with yoga props, and our instructors are well-trained in helping you use these props for proper posture modification and adjustments.
Remember, its a journey, not a race.
What if I am injured or something hurts during class?
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non-violence, should be adhered to when engaging in the practice of yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom. If something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it. "No pain, no gain" is NOT the yoga way. If it hurts, stop. Patience and feeling good about yourself and your world is the way of the yogi and yogini.
Please consult your health care professional before starting yoga or any new exercise program, and inform your teacher of any physical or medical conditions prior to start of class.
Can kids do yoga?
Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Kids exercise, play, and connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world around them while practicing yoga.
Paige One Yoga's Kids Yoga classes and activities are created and taught by teachers who have received additional certification in teaching infant, preschool, kids, tween and teen yoga.
What do I wear to class?
Wear clothing you can easily move in: tee shirts, tanks, shorts and leggings are great. Avoid wearing overly baggy clothes, as they will prevent the teacher from observing your alignment and we want to keep you safe! For your convenience, a changing room is available at the studio.
What should I expect when attending yoga class?
- No gum, no perfume and please NO cell phones.
- Please be on time for class. Teachers begin each class with an introduction and quiet centering that prepares you for what follows. If you are late and the centering has already begun, please be courteous to your fellow yogis and wait quietly in the lobby until the centering has completed.
- Bare feet are essential so please leave your shoes in the designated area.
- In a typical yoga class, the students place their mats facing the front of the room (often identifiable by a small altar or by the teacher's mat) in a loose grid. It's best not to line up your mat exactly with the one next to it because you and your neighbor will need some space in certain poses. The students often sit in a cross-legged position waiting for class to start or do some gentle stretching.
- Depending on the teacher, there may be a breathing exercise or short meditation at the start of class.
- This is followed by warm-up poses, more vigorous poses, then stretches and final relaxation.
- Sometimes the teacher will go around to each student during final relaxation, checking that everyone is comfortable.
- Please feel free to approach the instructor privately after class if you have any questions or comments. We are happy to help you in your yoga journey in any way we can.
- Know that you may be a little sore the day after your first class, even if you are in good physical shape, because it encourages you to use muscles that are otherwise neglected. A hot bath and/or some light stretching can help relieve soreness. You will likely experience less soreness if you continue to do yoga regularly.
We hope to see you very soon!
Namasté (The divine in me honors the divine in you)
Paige
