Q: Can I do yoga even if I am not flexible?
A: YES! You can practice yoga if you are not flexible. In fact, many people begin to practice yoga because they want to be more flexible. It is important to listen to your body and honor its unique needs. Everyone will look different in the poses. Allow your breathing to be your guide throughout the physical practice: if your breath is struggling, it is usually a sign to back off a little or come out of the pose. If you can maintain a calm, steady breath in the pose, then you are probably in the right place. You should never feel pain in yoga! So relax, tune into your breath, and focus on letting go of expectations and you will be just fine!
Q: Is yoga a cult or religion?
A: Neither. Yoga is a philosophy and physical practice. The philosophy of yoga can complement your lifestyle and enhance your overall well-being. People from all religious backgrounds and belief systems can practice yoga and even enhance their spirituality through their experience with yoga.
Q: What is Classical Yoga?
A: Part of my training was completed at YogaLife Institute, which describes Classical Yoga as follows: “Classical Yoga follows a 2,000 year-old philosophical book The Yoga Sutras or The Rules of Yoga. Yoga means any pursuit that leads to a complete mastery of one’s self by uniting the lower self with the higher self; some call this self-actualization or enlightenment. These rules of yoga are considered a grammar of spirituality. As one progresses in the self-actualization process, a pattern of growth is noticed. In brief, Classical Yoga is any technique that brings one to a higher state of consciousness." Read more about Classical Yoga here.
Q: What is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga?
A: My other teacher training was completed at Power Yoga Works, which focuses on Baron Baptiste’s Power Vinyasa Yoga. According to Baron's website, his style "is based on intuition rather than tradtion." This style of yoga offers a sequence of poses that is both challenging and accessible at the same time. Power Vinyasa Yoga is for all levels of abilities and brings us right up to the edges of our comfort zone. When we get to this place where our bodies and minds are challenged (in a good way!), we have a choice: flee or breathe. As we practice keeping a calm breath through a powerful flow of poses, we are also preparing ourselves to respond peacefully to stressful situations in our lives. In this practice, you will stretch and strengthen your entire body, and learn that you are capable of much more than you thought you were! This training has prepared me to teach all levels of Vinyasa Yoga.
Q: What should I wear to a Thai Yoga Massage session or Yoga class?
A: Wear comfortable, semi-fitted clothing that will allow for movement.
Q: How often should I practice yoga?
A: The amount of time you practice is up to you and the results you want to see and feel. Yoga practice takes discipline and not as much time as you would think. If you are feeling overwhelmed, start small but start somewhere. Even just 5-10 minutes of stretch time is great! I would recommend getting to a class at least once a week to “stay on track” and within a yoga community. This way you can also have a regular connection to a Yoga Instructor for questions. A home practice is recommended if you cannot get to a class, or in combination with classes. Listen to what your body is telling you and honor those messages. Remember that the more often you practice, the more you are prepared to take on the rest of life’s demands.
A: My other teacher training was completed at Power Yoga Works, which focuses on Baron Baptiste’s Power Vinyasa Yoga. According to Baron's website, his style "is based on intuition rather than tradtion." This style of yoga offers a sequence of poses that is both challenging and accessible at the same time. Power Vinyasa Yoga is for all levels of abilities and brings us right up to the edges of our comfort zone. When we get to this place where our bodies and minds are challenged (in a good way!), we have a choice: flee or breathe. As we practice keeping a calm breath through a powerful flow of poses, we are also preparing ourselves to respond peacefully to stressful situations in our lives. In this practice, you will stretch and strengthen your entire body, and learn that you are capable of much more than you thought you were! This training has prepared me to teach all levels of Vinyasa Yoga.
Q: What should I wear to a Thai Yoga Massage session or Yoga class?
A: Wear comfortable, semi-fitted clothing that will allow for movement.
Q: How often should I practice yoga?
A: The amount of time you practice is up to you and the results you want to see and feel. Yoga practice takes discipline and not as much time as you would think. If you are feeling overwhelmed, start small but start somewhere. Even just 5-10 minutes of stretch time is great! I would recommend getting to a class at least once a week to “stay on track” and within a yoga community. This way you can also have a regular connection to a Yoga Instructor for questions. A home practice is recommended if you cannot get to a class, or in combination with classes. Listen to what your body is telling you and honor those messages. Remember that the more often you practice, the more you are prepared to take on the rest of life’s demands.
