Question 1

WHAT IS YOGA?  IS IT A RELIGION?

Accepted Answer

No, yoga is not, nor has never been a religion. Yoga has been practiced for over 3500 years and yes, it originated with Hindu and Buddhists. It originated to bring purity to the lives of the people. Yoga is a practice to eliminate the chaos in your mind and body. Yoga “yokes” the breath with movement and focus. It allows you to let go of the stress and enjoy the time on your mat.

Question 2

I'VE NEVER PRACTICED BEFORE, WHICH CLASS SHOULD I START WITH?

Accepted Answer

We offer Beginner Yoga for starters. This class teaches foundational yoga postures, proper alignment, and common sequences. We also offer Yin, which is practiced nearly all on the floor. Yin offers slow stretches that are held for a while to allow the stretch to gently move into deeper layers of muscle. Yin and Flow starts with Yin stretches and then offers a flow series (moving from one posture to another in sequence) that are foundational postures as well. There is also Gentle yoga for those who may have mobility or stability issues.

Question 3

MY DOCTOR SAID I SHOULD DO YOGA.  WHICH CLASS SHOULD I DO?

Accepted Answer

Ask your doctor that too. Why did the doctor recommend yoga? For a joint or muscle injury or anxiety? We have yoga for both of those!

Question 4

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Accepted Answer

Wear clothes that are comfortable and that you can move in. Avoid clothing that is binding or restricts movement.

Question 5

WHY DO I HAVE TO REMOVE MY SHOES?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you remove your shoes to keep the floors free from grit from the street. Also, practicing barefoot enables better grounding on the sticky mat and creates a true connection to the mat.

Question 6

DO I NEED TO BRING A YOGA MAT?

Accepted Answer

We have plenty of mats here. But you are welcome to bring your own mat if you would prefer. We have plenty of props - blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets if you like to use them.

Question 7

WHY DO YOU NEED BOLSTERS, BLOCKS, STRAPS, AND BLANKETS?

Accepted Answer

Props make achieving the posture possible oftentimes. Maybe your hip does not allow you to bring your hand to the floor to open your chest. Touching the floor is not the purpose of the posture – opening your chest is. By placing a block beneath your hand, you can get the same opening and still take care of the hip. Props just provide the extra length to make the connections and enjoy the postures. Bolsters are used a lot in Yin – like firm pillows for support. Blankets provide padding and comfort.

Question 8

I’M PREGNANT, CAN I PRACTICE YOGA?

Accepted Answer

Ask your OB/GYN if it is safe for you. Always let your instructor know that you are pregnant, how far along you are and if you have any complications. There are postures that should be avoided during pregnancy. As a rule, pregnancy is not the time to start yoga, but if you have a regular practice and your physician says it’s ok, then continue your practice. Just make modifications!

Question 9

SHOULD I EAT BEFORE I COME?

Accepted Answer

Don’t ever practice on a full tummy! It’s just not pleasant!  Try not to eat for 2 hours prior to practicing to allow your food to digest. If you need to eat something, eat fruit or an energy bar. Juice and water are always good!

Question 10

DO YOU HAVE PARKING AT THE STUDIO?

Accepted Answer

We are just one door off main street on Caldwell. There is plenty of parking around the chamber and at the square and also there is a municipal lot at the library, ½ block away. It is just awesome that Newberry has so much parking and no parking meters!!!

Question 11

WHEN SHOULD I GET THERE?

Accepted Answer

If you have never practiced with us before, please come at least 15 minutes early so that we can get you signed in and set up. We want to get to know you a little before the class. If you have been here, come early enough to have time to get your mat down and your props ready.

Question 12

I CAN'T MAKE IT ON TIME FOR THE CLASS.  CAN I COME IN LATE?

Accepted Answer

How late? A few minutes is usually ok. Talk to the instructor about your timing. Maybe she can have your mat down and props ready.

Question 13

CAN I BRING MY CHILD?

Accepted Answer

We ask that children under 14 not come into practice. Most kids under 14 are not mature enough to understand the difference in yoga and gymnastics, nor are they ready to understand letting the mind be still. Moreover, they are a huge distraction for Mom! We want you here to take an hour to be free of stress. I have never had a mother and child in a class where Mom could let go of watching the child!

Question 14

WHAT IS SAVASANA?

Accepted Answer

Savasana is our final rest pose. We like to allow 5-10 minutes of rest at the end of the practice.  It is called constructive rest. This allows the yogi to clear the mind and release any residual tension in the body.

Question 15

WHY DO YOU SAY "NAMASTE" AT THE END OF CLASS?

Accepted Answer

Namaste is a Sanskrit word for yogis that is sort of like aloha to Hawaiians. It translates to “the divine in me sees and honors the divine in you.” Or “I honor the light within you.”  How lovely!

Question 16

WHAT IS THIS SYMBOL ॐ? IT'S IN YOUR YOGA STUDIO PICTURES?

Accepted Answer

The sound Om vibrates at the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature. ... All in all, beginning and/or ending your yoga practice with AUM helps to connect you to your practice in a deeper way than just with physical postures. To Hindus, this is the universal name for Lord. It is often used as we use Amen.

Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS YOGA? IS IT A RELIGION?