FAQ
Yoga in the larger sense:
A profound way to
connect, yoga in the broader sense, is a term
that encompasses everything you do. Yoga is any activity, observance,
action, inquiry, etc. that you do that helps you feel balanced...
...That being said, here are a few FAQs regarding beginning your healing journey, taking up Yoga as a body/mind practice, or just discovering a great way to stay in shape...body and soul:
What is the best way to start my yoga practice?
The Ideal way to begin practicing yoga is in a class lead by an experienced yoga instructor (preferably at Bodhi Yoga™!). Doing so will help you understand the basis for yoga movement, how to approach your new practice, and give you the opportunity for receiving “hands on adjustments”, to help you more fully integrate the way each posture should be aligned and the way it should feel.
Will doing yoga create conflict with my belief system?
The goal of practicing Yoga is to create balance. The aim is to
help you create a more authentic life. So if you allow yoga to
"change" you, it will deepen all your positive beliefs and
relationships, and create a well-toned body, a more focused mind, and
peaceful emotions and spirit. In short, yoga helps you become more
"yourself", it accentuates what you already believe that is true for
you.
What should I wear to my first class?
Whatever you feel comfortable stretching, and sweating in—essentially the same style of clothing you would wear to exercise in.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat to my class?
You are welcome to bring your own mat to practice on during Bodhi Yoga™ classes. Bodhi Yoga™ also supplies temporary mats at no cost, in addition to
all other yoga props you may need during your class at the center.
How long before I feel the effects of doing yoga?
Many feel better after their first class. To really feel the benefits of how Yoga can improve your overall well-being, it is recommended that you try practicing 1-2 classes weekly for six-weeks.
Will doing yoga help me loose weight?
Yoga will help increase your lung capacity, decrease your stress level, regulate your circadian rhythms, so you get a more restful sleep and more. Each one of these factors can help in the support of healthy metabolism. Weight gain is a very personal issue with many contributing factors. We suggest that you meet with a skilled instructor to discuss what classes would best support you in your desire to shed extra pounds.
Why do I practice yoga on an empty stomach?
Yoga will move your body/mind into detox much faster than other activities. A full tummy can make you feel nauseated because you are digesting and de-toxing at the same time. It also makes bending and stretching harder because the blood-flow of your body is focused on digesting your meal. Avoid eating 1½ -2 hours prior to your class.
How long do most yoga classes last?
A traditional yoga class lasts approximately 90 minutes. You may find yoga classes offered as a 1-hour class, which can be a signal that the person or business offering yoga may not fully understand the dynamics of the practice, and what it takes for you to safely “reach the potential of your practice.” That being said, some yoga is much better than not practicing at all.
I want to try yoga, but I am worried others will notice what a beginner I am?
This is a common feeling because yoga is fairly new in the West. In yoga there is an aspect of practice that will help bring each participant into a place of “witness” or “discernment” of self—so in a good yoga class, competition or comparing with others is not a factor. Participants are usually focused on the “inward nuances” of their own practice.
How early should I arrive before class starts?
Ideally you should plan on arriving 5-10 minutes prior to class. You want to enter class quietly, have time to take care of any tuition or personal needs prior to the beginning of class, and have a moment to sit and center yourself before the instructor begins.
How many other people are usually in a yoga class?
One of the ways you can tell if a class curriculum is being offered by someone who understands yoga, is the size of classes they offer. 3-20 students is an excellent indication that the instructor will have an opportunity to connect with everyone (less than 3 students would be considered a private class). WMY will typically have one instructor and one assisting instructor regardless of class size to ensure that you are effectively guided through your practice.
Why is class size a factor in practicing yoga?
In the U.S. in 2008, yoga related injuries were up 40%. This has
been shown to be a direct result of larger classes, (sometimes offered
by teachers lacking enough experience or knowledge of yoga as a
therapy), as well as participants approaching yoga like they would any
other form of western exercise.
What should I know about the cultural etiquette of a Yoga class?
A few general guidelines for attending yoga would be:
- Enter quietly 5-10 minutes prior to class to complete any release forms, pay your tuition, choose your space and settle in.
- It is best to save your personal questions for the instructor until
after the class, as she/he may be gathering thoughts and connecting
with the energy of the group that is gathering to practice (If it's
your first class, usually the instructor or assistant will introduce
themselves to you and help you orient yourself with the space)
- Be on time so you don’t disrupt the groove of each participant in
their own flow, or the instructors flow of thought once class has begun
- Respect the way the instructor has set up the mats, in order to accommodate the group enrolled in your class.
- Place personal belongings in the shoe area to keep the space of the room clear of personal items.
- If you have to leave early—do so prior to Savasana (final relaxation)
- Don’t miss Savasana
- Never bring your cell phone into class
- Bodhi Yoga™ is a cellular phone-free zone (not only for the interruptions, but also for the Bodhi Yoga™ space to remain clear of cell phone radio waves). Please leave your cell phones in your car.
