You must be a Lotus, unfolding its petals when the Sun rises in the sky, unaffected by the slush where it is born or even the water which sustains it!
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
What
Is Yoga?
What
Are the 8 Limbs of Yoga?
What Styles of Yoga Are There?
What is All the Talk About the Breath in Yoga?
What Do I Wear to a Yoga Class?
Do
I Need My Own Mat?
Can I Eat Before Class?
Is There Anything Else I Need to Bring to Class?
Do I Need to See My Doctor First?
I’m Not Flexible or Strong, Can I Do Yoga?
How Do I Know Which Class Is Right for Me?
What Is Yoga? Back to top
Although it seems like a hot, new trend, the science and practice of yoga is over 6,000 years old. Yoga was introduced to the American culture about 50 or so years ago by several Yogi Masters, such as Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, and it means "yoke" or union, as in union of the mind, body and spirit.
Yoga includes exercise but is also a lifestyle of which exercise is only one component. Yoga as we know it today has its origins within the Yoga Sutras written by Pantanjali about 800 BC. There are 8 limbs of yoga, the physical aspect or asana being just one of them. If these postures are practiced with integrity, grace and balance, the remaining 7 limbs of yoga will grow in the student's life.
What Are the 8 Limbs of Yoga? Back to top
Yama: Morals
or principles of right living. Non-violence.
Niyama: Personal attitudes and practices that purify the mind and body
Asana: Physical posture
Pranayama: Breath consciousness or Breath Control
Pratyahara: Sense integration
Dharana: One-pointed concentration
Dhyana: Meditation
Samadhi: Absoprtion
What Styles of Yoga Are There? Back to top
There are many styles of yoga. Hatha yoga is not a style of yoga but rather is an umbrella term for any type of physical yoga, as opposed to devotional yoga, yoga of service, etc... Some styles of yoga include:
Iyengar - emphasizes intensive instruction and fine-tuning of asanas using props such as blocks, straps, chairs, etc...
Vinyasa - also known as power or flow yoga, links poses together to create an active and challenging class.
Restorative - emphasizes totally relaxing the muscles many times lying for long periods of time using blocks, blankets and bolsters.
Anusara - pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Poses can be challenging but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and connect with the divine in yourself and others.
Bikram - consists of a series of 26 poses done twice in a room heated to 105 degrees.
These are only a few styles of yoga. Many instructors blend the various styles teaching an eclectic style of yoga.
What is All the Talk About the Breath in Yoga? Back to top
Think about it, to live we must breath. We can go a while without food, we can go several days without water but we cannot go more than a minute without air. That air is drawn into our bodies through our breath. From a physical stand point when our breathing is shallow we are depriving our bodies of oxygen. Oxygen is needed in the body for our systems to function. When we breath deeply our bodily systems simply function better. From a mental and emotional stand point, when we are stressed out or upset our breathing becomes shallow. If we stop and breathe deeply we instantly begin to calm our minds and feel better. Pranayama (one of the 8 limbs of yoga) is the art of breath expnasion and control. Through a variety of breathing techniques, yoga uses pranayama to help us more fully oxygentate and purify our bodies, to slow and calm our minds, to steady our emotions and to balance our energies.
What do I wear to a yoga class? Back to top
Comfortable, somewhat fitted clothing should be worn. Try to avoid baggy pants and shirts so the instructor can view the student’s form and make necessary adjustments. Dress in layers as the temperature will fluctuate throughout class.
Do I need my own mat? Back to top
It is advisable to have your own mat. Most studios do have mats available for student use.
Can I eat before class? Back to top
You should come to class with an empty stomach, however a light snack such as yogurt or fruit can be eaten before class.
Is there anything else I need to bring to class? Back to top
Students may want to bring a towel, water, eye pillow, a smile and their curiosity to class.
Do I need to see my doctor first? Back to top
It is advisable
to consult with your physician prior to beginning any
exercise program including Yoga. Please also advise the instructor prior to
class of any injuries or other health issues.
I’m not flexible or strong, can I do Yoga? Back to top
Yes! In fact you are the perfect candidate for Yoga. Many people think you need to be strong and flexible first but come as you are today and you will find the right practice that will help you become more flexible and strong.
How do I know which class is right for me? Back to top
Check the class
descriptions. There are many styles of yoga all with varying level. There
is yoga available for everyone. If you’re still not sure feel free to
ask the instructors.
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|