A Guide for those New to Yoga
Welcome! I am very happy that you are considering yoga in your life. People come to yoga for many different reasons - to heal, to get flexible, to get strong, to reduce stress - all of which are excellent motivations to begin yoga. Whatever your motivation, you will be honored and respected as we discover what yoga can bring to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
- Definitely not! What is most important is to respect what abilities and limitations your body has. These abilities and limitations are what make you unique and, because you are unique, your body will be different from everyone else’s in your yoga class. If we all looked like the models in the yoga magazines, why would we need to come to class?
What should I wear?
- Wear loose fitting, non-restrictive clothing. Shorts or leggings and a comfortable top that can be tucked in are common.
- Please do not wear any fragrances to class. In our world of chemically sensitive people, maintaining a fragrance free studio allows us to create a welcoming environment to all persons.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
- Everything you need for a class – mats, props, inner peace, your breath – is available for you at the studio. If you have your own sticky mat, please bring it along.
What will yoga do for me?
- This is an excellent question. And, as with all excellent questions the correct answer is: it depends. For example, if you have a rounded upper spine from years and years of driving cars and working at computers, yoga can lengthen and strengthen your spine, making you not only taller, but also helping to minimize the effects of osteoporosis. This is but one example. When you start to experience such physical effects, your breathing may improve, and your mind may become less distracted as pain is eased and oxygen flow is improved.
What yoga will do specifically for you depends on what you want yoga to do for you. It will heal and soothe, it will strengthen and energize, it will calm and fill you with a powerful, intentional sense of ease.
The best part about the benefits you receive is that you get to take them with you when you leave the studio.