What are the benefits of practicing yoga?

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.

The usual and practical experience of yoga results in the following: 

    * Creating or increasing strength and stamina
    * Increasing flexibility
    * Reduction of stress and anxiety through breath control and meditation
    * Learning the art of surrender, also known as "letting go" and "relaxation"
    * Improves general health, mentally, physically and spiritually
    * Aids in rehabilitation and healing/preventing injuries
    * Strengthens the Mind/ Body Connection

There are eight major components of yoga but that which is usually practiced in a yoga class are as follows:

Pranayama: Breath Control practices that increase circulation, bring more oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, and enlarge lung capacity so that lung tissue becomes more elastic and the 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. However children under the age of eight should not do deep stretching.

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 Yin Yoga 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!