What should I wear?
Wear whatever is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Try athletic pants, tank tops, t-shirts, camisole tops, stretchy shorts. Layer up in the cooler weather with a sweat shirt and/or sweat pants you can remove as you heat up. No need to spend money on trendy clothes. What's in your closet will work fine. Be prepared to work barefoot.
Where can I get a mat and what kind should I get?
Yogis are always looking for the ultimate mat. They come in a myriad of sizes and many styles and materials. You can start with a cheapie mat for around $12.00. Try T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, any number of sporting goods or discount stores. Target sells slightly better quality as well as does Whole Foods. Check online at Hugger Mugger, MatsMatsMats, Bheka Yoga supplies, Barefoot Yoga, Yoga Accessories and other online vendors. We recommend eco mats which you can buy from New Planet Yoga. They're more expensive but are awesome mats because they use earth-friendly biodegradable foams, or natural rubber that does not off-gas to create a chemical smell while you practice, and they can be composted at the end of their life.
What should I expect?
Expect at the beginning of class to sit on your mat for breathing and centering to facilitate moving into stillness. In Sitting Full (Seated Yoga) we do this in the chair. For those who find it challenging to sit on the floor, we use props to make it more comfortable. Over a short period of time, this will become much easier. Everyone works at their own level, so don't expect that you have to "keep up". To assist detoxification and promote flexibility we work in a warm environment, so expect to sweat. Gentler classes are less heated.
Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do yoga?
One should approach yoga with serenity and respect. This means that one should not force one’s body into positions that it is incapable of assuming. Although there are poses that are extremely challenging to even an advanced yogi, most of the positions in yoga are fairly simple and require only will, concentration and application.
Do I have to chant?
Although chanting is not part of every class, it is sometimes practiced in certain classes. To chant or not to chant is solely up to the individual. Chanting can be a very uplifting experience, and one need not be fearful of denying one’s particular faith or of losing oneself. The essence of chanting resides in the vibrations that emanate from the ancient Sanskrit language. Chanting simply attunes us and energizes us in different ways. OM is the most commonly recognized and understood sound in chanting.
Does yoga conflict with my religion?
There are no spiritual beliefs that are required to practice yoga. People of all faiths find yoga to be a calming and transforming experience. Yoga deals with universal truths, yet it is not a religion. Yoga is the oldest and most complete science for personal development in the world.
Wear whatever is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Try athletic pants, tank tops, t-shirts, camisole tops, stretchy shorts. Layer up in the cooler weather with a sweat shirt and/or sweat pants you can remove as you heat up. No need to spend money on trendy clothes. What's in your closet will work fine. Be prepared to work barefoot.
Where can I get a mat and what kind should I get?
Yogis are always looking for the ultimate mat. They come in a myriad of sizes and many styles and materials. You can start with a cheapie mat for around $12.00. Try T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, any number of sporting goods or discount stores. Target sells slightly better quality as well as does Whole Foods. Check online at Hugger Mugger, MatsMatsMats, Bheka Yoga supplies, Barefoot Yoga, Yoga Accessories and other online vendors. We recommend eco mats which you can buy from New Planet Yoga. They're more expensive but are awesome mats because they use earth-friendly biodegradable foams, or natural rubber that does not off-gas to create a chemical smell while you practice, and they can be composted at the end of their life.
What should I expect?
Expect at the beginning of class to sit on your mat for breathing and centering to facilitate moving into stillness. In Sitting Full (Seated Yoga) we do this in the chair. For those who find it challenging to sit on the floor, we use props to make it more comfortable. Over a short period of time, this will become much easier. Everyone works at their own level, so don't expect that you have to "keep up". To assist detoxification and promote flexibility we work in a warm environment, so expect to sweat. Gentler classes are less heated.
Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do yoga?
One should approach yoga with serenity and respect. This means that one should not force one’s body into positions that it is incapable of assuming. Although there are poses that are extremely challenging to even an advanced yogi, most of the positions in yoga are fairly simple and require only will, concentration and application.
Do I have to chant?
Although chanting is not part of every class, it is sometimes practiced in certain classes. To chant or not to chant is solely up to the individual. Chanting can be a very uplifting experience, and one need not be fearful of denying one’s particular faith or of losing oneself. The essence of chanting resides in the vibrations that emanate from the ancient Sanskrit language. Chanting simply attunes us and energizes us in different ways. OM is the most commonly recognized and understood sound in chanting.
Does yoga conflict with my religion?
There are no spiritual beliefs that are required to practice yoga. People of all faiths find yoga to be a calming and transforming experience. Yoga deals with universal truths, yet it is not a religion. Yoga is the oldest and most complete science for personal development in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
For information on the health benefits of yoga, see Yoga and Your Health.
For information on the history, practice, and philosophy of yoga, see Components of Yoga.
For information on the history, practice, and philosophy of yoga, see Components of Yoga.