Frequently Asked Questions
I've never done yoga before. Can I do it?
How "fit" must I be to start?
Am I too old?
What if I'm not flexible?
Is it a cardiovascular workout? Will it help me to lose weight?
What are some of the benefits?
Why the heated room?
What if I get too hot during class?
Will I get used to the heat?
How often should I come to class?
Are there any additional resources that you recommend?
I've never done yoga before. Can I do it?
Anyone of any age and physical condition can do this yoga. All students work at their personal "edge" and beginners work right alongside more experienced students. Yoga is not competitive - every body is different. Your own body will change from class-to-class, day-to-day. Just because you could do a posture yesterday, doesn't mean you'll be able to do it today, and just because you couldn't do a posture yesterday doesn't mean you won't be able to do it today. The students at our studio range from people with chronic illnesses and injuries to some of Puget Sound's top professional athletes - and everyone in between!
The purpose of yoga is not to twist the body into bizarre pretzel shapes but to improve the body's natural range of motion from wherever it is the day you walk into the door. Remember, yoga originated as way to reach enlightenment -the body and the asanas (postures) were merely a vehicle for quieting the mind - so more important than touching your toes is touching your awareness.
All fitness levels and body types can do all of our classes - Sanctuary, Hot, and Power Vinyasa Yogas and Mat Pilates. All of our classes can make you fit so the sooner you start, the sooner you'll start seeing and feeling changes in your body, in your mind and in your life. As with anything, a dedication to your practice (3 times a week) will bring results more quickly and make those results more permanent.
People of all ages and physical abilities attend class. While Sanctuary, Hot, and Power Vinyasa Yogas can make you fit, their primary objective is to connect you with, and allow you to heal your body. No matter your age, if you come to class, try your best and listen to your body, you will receive all of the benefits of the postures. If you have any concerns regarding your health, we suggest that you speak to your doctor before attending class (or beginning any exercise regime).
This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. Yoga is not about how flexible you are. It is about improving your health - starting with the body you have right now. If you can only touch your knees, then you come in and try to touch your shins. You move your body into a posture until you feel a stretch, feel your "edge", and then stop there. Wherever your body feels it is where the benefits are occurring. The good news is that the body is willing and able to change and your "edge" will expand beyond your own expectations.
Is it a cardiovascular workout? Will it help me to lose weight?
Yes and yes. No matter what your level of fitness, you will find our classes quite challenging. The yoga asanas (postures) and Mat/Ball Pilates moves combine flexibility, strength, and balance to work your whole body from the inside out. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can lose weight and, more importantly, inches as well as develop muscle tone, strength and stamina Sanctuary, Hot, and Power Vinyasa Yogas do have cardiovascular components to them, providing a good workout for that heart muscle and improving circulation throughout the body.
What are some of the benefits?
Yoga provides an almost endless list of benefits. It reduces stress, increases blood circulation, flushes toxins from the body, stimulates the internal organs, improves strength and flexibility and brings the body into balance and optimum health. Regular practice (at least three times per week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic illnesses (e.g., arthritis, thyroid disorders, lower blood pressure, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome). It also promotes relaxation.
The room is intentionally heated to warm your muscles which allows you to work deeply AND safely. The heat also heals and helps prevents injuries. It also promotes sweating, which flushes toxins from your body. Initially, you may find working in the heat challenging, but after just 3 classes, you will begin to adjust and become accustom to being in the heat. You may find you miss the heat when doing other exercises! Remember our Mat/Ball Pilates classes are NOT done in a heated room so if you just can't bear the heat, the Mat/Ball Pilates classes might be best for you.
What if I get too hot during class?
It is possible you may feel light-headed, dizzy or slightly nauseated the first time you attend a Hot or Power Vinyasa Yoga class. This is a common and perfectly normal reaction. Your body is moving in ways it may never have before and the heat does take some getting used to. It is perfectly okay (and encouraged) to sit down and rest. There is a difference between working hard and killing yourself and the most profound thing one learns in yoga is to listen to and honor the body. Light-headedness, dizziness and nausea are the body's messengers and we definitely want you to listen to them. You are your own best teacher.
Yes. Really. Pretty soon you'll start saying things like "Its not hot enough in here." Give yourself a month or so of coming at least twice a week before you decide how you feel about the heat. Some days will be better than others and that's true no matter how long you've been practicing.
How often should I come to class?
As often as you can. It depends on what you want to accomplish. If you wish to lose weight, tone your body and really make profound changes, it is best to come four times a week. Of course, three times a week is also a great commitment but the difference between three times and four times a week is significant. Yoga is something that you could do everyday and we have many students that attend 5, 6 and 7 times a week. What's important to remember is that some yoga is better than no yoga.
