Testimonials:

“I don’t know what I did before yoga. I have increased my flexibility and peace of mind. It has definitely helped me get through a lot of stressful times and situations and I think has increased my overall fitness by helping me improve my running times. I am also much more conscientious about what I put into my body because of yoga!” –C.P.

“From day 1 of yoga I felt like a veil was lifted and I could tell my body was healing itself in ways I’d never felt before. I felt closer to God, my spirit through the simple practice of letting thoughts go and just focusing on breath. To stop practicing yoga would feel like I’m going against nature. Ultimately, my goal in life is to live as authentically as I can to myself, and be in love with life; That way I can give my best to everyone. Yoga, to me, keeps me on that track.” –K.W.

You are new to yoga and need some of your questions to be answered? This page is dedicated to the most frequently asked questions we hear in and out of the studio by those interested in building a yoga practice…or just trying one class!

Q: I am a ______(runner, cyclist, athlete of any sort) and am interested in yoga as cross training. Is yoga in general right for me? Are there classes at YBB that fit my needs?

A: Yoga is an excellent cross-training practice for athletes. Many people know that yoga stretches the muscles in the body, but many are not aware of the numerous other benefits yoga provides to athletes, such as increased lung capacity through breath work (pranayama), better balance and coordination, and a stronger sense of peace even during physical exertion. Yoga is definitely right for you! Come to a HOT class or a Vinyasa class for a more cardiovascular practice, or to a YogaTONIC or YogaLICIOUS class for a deeper stretch.

Q: What is yoga?

A: Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, and that is most often interpreted as union of body, mind, and spirit. Most yoga classes practice Asana (yoga poses), or the physical aspect of yoga. It’s good to know that the Asana practice is only one limb of many that make up a whole traditional practice, but for most people it is sufficient to begin a yoga practice just focusing on Asana—stretching and balancing the physical body.

An Asana practice traditionally contains some combination of the following types of movements: forward bending, backward bending, hip opening, back strengthening, core work, twists, hip opening, and spinal decompression. These movements are linked in a way that brings balance to the whole body, giving you more mental space to relax and rejuvenate. All of the poses can be modified to fit your needs.

No matter where you go to practice, what you practice, or whom you practice with, it is up to you to decide what style of yoga fits you best. Maybe you enjoy classes that touch more spiritual aspects of yoga, or perhaps you are more comfortable going to active yoga classes that focus less on spiritual and emotional well being. It is absolutely up to you to come to see what makes you feel best. At Yoga Body and Balance we believe that yoga is a tool to help you awake into a life you love!

Q: I’m pregnant! Is yoga OK for me?

A: Absolutely! Prenatal yoga is a common practice and is endorsed by most physicians and OBGYNs. There are some modifications you should make if you are pregnant to keep you comfortable and the baby safe, but most gentle practices are appropriate for pregnancy. At Yoga Body and Balance we have a prenatal class that is open to the public. A YogaLICIOUS class, which is a gentler style, would also be appropriate during pregnancy. Both classes would feel delicious!

Visit our prenatal yoga page to learn more about yoga and pregnancy and the prenatal program at Yoga Body and Balance.

Q: Is yoga for everyone?

A: Is yoga for every ONE? No. Is yoga for every BODY? Yes! All bodies are fit for yoga classes, because yoga is all about bringing balance to the body, regardless of what shape it begins at. No matter what your body type is or what your current state of health is, you can find a style of yoga that will heal and bring you back to life with proper guidance from an instructor.

However, not all people like yoga. So is yoga for every ONE? It’s not. Some people do not find going to a yoga class or moving on a yoga mat enjoyable, and for those people there is no point in forcing it! It’s up to us to find a style of movement, and ultimately a style of life, that feeds us physically, emotionally, and soulfully.

Q: I’m too fat for yoga.

A: No you’re not!

...let’s explain. Really, truly, yoga is for EVERY BODY! It is not just for 26 year-old former dancers or middle-aged marathon runners. Some poses will be more challenging because you are carrying more weight on the body, but with an experience instructor you can find ways to modify poses so you are comfortable yet still active.

Yoga has been proven to help individuals with weight loss, however the goal of yoga is not to change the state of your body, but to bring it back into balance through movement and relaxation. If you have weight to lose, through a regular yoga practice that challenges you but also keeps you comfortable and feeling good, you will lose weight. But again, that’s not the purpose of the practice. Studies have shown that, the less we focus on weight loss as we adopt new fitness and nutritional habits, the more likely we are to lose weight and keep it off. So put on some comfortable clothes and roll out your mat and practice some yoga! Learn to love and enjoy your body, and all things will fall into place from there.

Q: What do I wear to a yoga class?

A: Wear whatever you would wear to the gym. It is preferable that your clothes aren’t too baggy so they don’t get in the way of your practice and so that the instructor can see your alignment. Running tights, leggings, capris pants are all comfortable choices, as are tank tops, fitted t-shirts or sports tanks. Don’t go out and buy a whole bunch of new stuff just to go to your first yoga class. Go with what you have and with what you feel good in.

Oh yes, and bare feet. Don’t forget to take your socks off!!

Q: What should I expect from a yoga class?

A: At Yoga Body and Balance we practice a variety of styles of yoga, but in most cases you can expect the class to start out with an opening meditation, the chanting of OM or even a mantra, the Asana practice, and ending in final savasana (corpse pose) where you lie on your back with an eye pillow over the eyes to rest for 10-15 minutes.

But most importantly you can expect kind and talented instructors, enthusiastic and warm students, creative and satisfying movements, and an encouragement for you to do your best and to enjoy!

Q: What should I bring to a yoga practice?

A: For your first class you do not need to bring anything except yourself. At YBB we have mats you can borrow, as well as blocks, blankets, or any other props the instructor may use during class. If you enjoy your first class and come back for your 2-week trial membership, you may want to invest in your own yoga mat. We sell mats at the studio, or you could buy one online at www.amazon.com or any sporting goods store.