What is Yoga?

Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was the first put into written form as the Yoga Sutras. The author was Patanjali (pronounced pa-tan-ja-li). Since the original work was in Sanskrit, there are many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb "Asana" (pronounced a-san-a), which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana and physical culture is called Hatha Yoga (pronounced Ha-ta with a soft T). The word Yoga means “yoke”, combining the body, mind and spirit through breath and meditation. Today, people are turning to yoga for many reasons including stress management and preventative health measures. It has been prescribed as therapy for an ailment or injury. Yoga has many physical benefits but the practice of yoga is not just physical.  While physical strength and flexibility are developed, the true strength of yoga lies in the the unique inner journey that each pratitioner experiences. Yoga does not just make you feel better physically and mentally but also  empowers you and raises your awareness of your inner strength which will bring you back home to yourself time and again.

 What are the benefits of practicing yoga?

Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are:

    * Creating or increasing strength and stamina
    * Increasing flexibility
    * Reduces stress and anxiety through breath and meditation
    * Learning the art of relaxation
    * Improves general health, mentally, physically and spiritually
    * Aids in rehabilitation and healing/preventing injuries
    * Strengthens the Mind/ Body Connection

There are three major components to Hatha Yoga, each with its own unique benefits:

Pranayama: (breathing) Breath Control increases circulation, brings more oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, enlarges lung capacity and lung tissue becomes more elastic and surrounding muscles more flexible.

Asanas: (postures) When practiced in conjunction with the breath, yoga postures can tone the body, release tension and tightness, increase flexibility, strength and balance.

Meditation: Practicing daily meditation will quiet the mind and can reduce anxiety, stress levels, cholesterol levels, chronic pain, blood pressure and enhance all aspects of your well being.

Is there an age limit for yoga?

There is no age limit for yoga practice. You can start even at 30 or 60 years of age and can continue up to 100 years or more. Even children can do Yoga!

What do I bring?

If you have a yoga mat, bring it. If not, just bring your body and use one of our mats!

What do I wear?

Loose comfy clothing you can stretch in, but not too sloppy. Tights and leggings are good too. Wear layers if you chill or get hot easily.

I have never done yoga. Where do I start?  Basics/Beginners, New Beginners or YinYoga classes are a great place to start. Do not be in a rush to "move on". Yoga is about slowing down and feeling. We feel more when we go slow. We also stretch further and get deeper into poses when we relax and go slow. The body/mind opens up when we go slow instead of contracting to protect when we go too far.

When do I start? Why not now? The sooner you start yoga the sooner you will start feeling the benefits!