- What is Hatha Yoga?
- Hatha Yoga is an ancient discipline that explores, develops, and integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga systematically stretches and strengthens muscles throughout the body, increases circulation to internal organs and glands, quiets the nervous system, and improves concentration. This ancient system of self-care brings vitality, health, deep relaxation, and peace of mind.
- Who can practice Yoga?
- Almost everyone can practice yoga. You don’t need to have strength, flexibility, or experience. You just need to come as you are. Come and give it a chance.
- What should I expect?
- Physically you can expect to burn some calories, vinyasa classes are aerobic and toning at the same time, so be prepared to sweat. Also be prepared to have fun, you will move on your mat in a wave of up and down movements. The more you come the more you will find out the other benefits of practicing Baptiste Power Vinyasa, such as increase ability to breathe, a calmer and quieter mind, increased concentration and an ease way of being. I like to say it is like taking a prozac pill – of course without all those chemicals.
- How often should I practice?
- The answer is consistency and commitment. In order for you to see results in anything in life you need consistency,t he same works for yoga. So the answer is practice, as often as you can, but practice. If your schedule only allows once or twice a week, than commit to that, the more you practice the greater the results. The more important thing is to practice without pressure. When you get serious about yoga, it’s like eating, breathing, sleeping. It will be natural, and you won’t even notice you are doing it. But don’t rush to find that feeling, enjoy it!
- What if I'm not flexible at all?
- Flexibility is not a pre-requisite to practice yoga. This is another yoga myth; you don’t have to be flexible to practice yoga. In fact, if you are hyper flexible, this is not healthy as it can create a state of instability. You will become more flexible as a result, but it is not a prerequisite. Yoga really has nothing to do with being flexible. The postures can be modified to accommodate each and every different body type. If you are carrying a lot of tension in an area a pose exposes, the tension will release and your range of motion and flexibility will increase. So, no, you don’t have to be flexible.
- What about eating before class?
- You should wait 2-3 hours after eating meat; 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours after carbs/starches; 1/2 – 1 hour after fruits and veggies. Practicing with a full stomach can be an interesting experience, you can expect to experience bowel movements, inflexibility and nausea. Now you know the issues, and knowing your own metabolism and digestive system, you can make your best decision.
- What about hydration?
- You should definitely hydrate well BEFORE and AFTER class. We will never stop you from drinking water; however, hydrating during class will take you out of your practice, and practicing with water in your stomach will cause you to feel nausea. Many people think heat causes this nausea, but the truth is that almost always, poor hydration habits are usually the villain.
- Will people be looking at me while I practice?
- We encourage all students to maintain their gaze, so their practice success is increased. Yoga demands focus! As a teacher I will guide the group as a whole with instructions leading each yogi into their own, personal practice. This means that each posture, movement, and exercise is unique to what the individual makes it to be.
- Where do I begin?
- To begin you need to reserve your class spot and show up, that is all. You can call or email if you have any questions. Just come and be prepared to have fun, sweat, burn some calories, and meet inspiring, friendly people. For more information on classes, studio etiquette, our policies and other details, please check out our new students page.
- How do I sign up for classes?
- It’s easy! Click on the "schedule now!" button above, look up the schedule and reserve your space online. We can provide you with a mat, props, water, encouragement, and support. Feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns.
- What should I bring?
- Bring yourself, dressed in comfortable clothing suitable for exercise. Bring a mat, a towel and some water. You might want to bring a change of clothes if you wish to change after class.
- Do you have showers or changing facilities?
- We don't have showers, but we do have private changing rooms and bathrooms.
