1)What type of yoga do you teach?

Our classes are an eclectic blend of traditional hatha yoga styles. The 3 main influences are:

Sivananda- one of the worlds largest and oldest schools of Yoga. Sivananda follows a well rounded structure of yoga poses that work the whole body, pranayama (breathing techniques) are emphasized, along with sun salutation as a warm up exercise and guided relaxation at the end of class.

Anusara- A new style of yoga developed by John Friend senior student of B.K.S.Iyengar. Anusara is described as heart-oriented. Its classes feel like a blend of a flow yoga class (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Sivananda) and grounded in a deep knowledge of outer & inner body alignment. Anusara has quickly become well known and respected for its universal principles of alignment. These principles help to guide the practitioner to deeper levels of physical and mental practice, while serving to protect the student from injury and guide others with injuries to better health.

Iyengar- This style created by B.K.S. Iyengar one of the best known yoga teachers, is noted for great attention to detail and precise alignment of postures, as well as the use of props such as blocks and straps.

2) What level should I be in?

If you have health concerns or injuries within the past 2 years it is recommended that you start your first term with Beginners 1. If you have never done yoga before but are in good shape you can start your first term in Beginners 2. If you have done yoga before and are ready to really bump up your practice it is fine to come into Intermediate realizing that every teacher and style of yoga is different and has its own language it may take a couple classes to get into the teachers rhythm.

3) Can I do yoga even if my body is very stiff?

Of course you can. Yoga is not just about being flexible. Practicing asanas (postures) brings countless benefits physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. If your body is out of shape you should practice gently at first taking care not to create injuries. You will already receive many of the benefits available to the more advanced practitioner. Do the asanas as well as you can and remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically keep yourself relaxed and concentrate. By practicing regularly you will become more flexible.

4) Do I have to be a vegetarian in order to do yoga?

Many yogis are predominantly vegetarian. Although in Yoga's sister science, Ayurveda, they recognize everyone has a unique constitution and in some instances meat or dairy products may be required. Yoga is a gradual process and most practitioners introduce themselves to its different aspects little by little.

5) Why do yogis breathe through the nose both when inhaling and exhaling?

Because it is more natural and because the nose is an integral part of the respiratory system, allowing the air to be warmed, moistened and filtered.

6)Can I practiced Yoga or inverted postures like Shoulderstand if I am on my menstrual cycle?

Many schools of yoga say not to practice inverted postures at this time. Yoga is about self-awareness so this is a time to honor what feels right for you. You should know at this time you will have less energy and be core stiff than usual. So this is a time to go at a gentler pace.

7) Does yoga conflict with my religious beliefs?

No, Yoga is a spiritual science not a religion. It is very universal in its approach. It can be practiced by individuals of all creeds and with any set of beliefs. The practice of Hatha Yoga can lead you to a deep understanding of the unity underlying all forms of life. In many instances, Yoga practitioners have found that after a few years of practice they were becoming better Christians, Jews and Muslims etc. for more information on this topic visit the Yoga & Research Foundation and www.christianyoga.com