| Q - What is Yoga? |
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| A - The word Yoga means union, the uniting of body, mind and spirit. Yoga is an ancient tradition from India, 5000 or more years old. It is based on the 8 limbs of Yoga - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadi. |
| Q - What type of Yoga is taught at Shanti? |
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| A - The type of Yoga taught at Shanti is a traditional form of Yoga from India. The classes draw from a wide variety of styles of Yoga, taught from an open heart and a place of inspiration. Classes focus on breathwork, energy flow, optimal alignment and the art of relaxation. Increased self-awareness and depth of practice are encouraged as the essence of Yoga. |
| Q - Who can do Yoga? |
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| A - Every BODY can do Yoga. All ages and body types can benefit from the practice of Yoga. Increased flexibility, strength, stamina, concentration and relaxation through the practice of Yoga brings new quality to daily life. |
| Q - What do I need to bring to Yoga class? |
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| A - Shanti Yoga Studio has all the equipment that you will need Free of charge. However we encourage students to bring their own mat. Developing a relationship with YOUR Yoga mat helps to strengthen and deepen your practice! |
| Q - When should I do my own Yoga practice? |
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| A - Your home practice should be done at a time that suits you and your schedule. A regular time each day helps to establish a routine. Some people find morning practice works for them others find evening works for them. Find what fits into your life best and seems most natural. |
| Q - If I have back problems can I do Yoga? |
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| A - Yoga is usually very helpful for back problems. It is a good idea to let your teacher know what type of back problem you have so they can best guide you in your practice. |
| Q - Should I eat before a Yoga class? |
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| A - It is usually recommended not to eat for a couple of hours before Yoga class. If you have had a very busy day and are very hungry before class have a glass of juice or a light snack so your stomach is not distracting you from your practice. |
| Q - What are the benefits of a regular Yoga practice? |
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| A - A regular Yoga practice can bring a wealth of benefits to your life. Some of the most common benefits include: awareness, flexibility, strength, improved posture, ease of movement, confidence, and an improved abilityu to deal with stress. All of these benefits are felt at a physical level and as our practice develops they are experienced at deeper and deeper levels of understanding and knowing. |
| Q - I'm not very flexible. Can I do yoga? |
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| A - One reason we practice yoga is to work on becoming more flexible. All bodies are different and you will find that you are more flexible in some areas and less flexible in other areas. Yoga will bring this awareness and help you open up in areas of not only your physical body, but in your whole being. We need to open where we are tight in our selves and strengthen where we are already open. |
| Q - Will yoga help me lose weight? |
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| A - I believe yoga helps one to lose weight because yoga heightens body awareness. As we practice yoga, we learn to live more consciously. We listen to our body's needs more carefully. We listen to what foods our body is actually needing and even what amount. We start to enjoy not feeling too full and start making healthier eating choices. The yoga poses help to strengthen and tone our body. Yoga also reduces stress, which can be a major factor in weight gain. |
| Q - I have a lot of chronic back pain. Will yoga help or could it possibly aggravate my back? |
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| A - Our yoga classes at Shanti are very gentle. We encourage our students to listen to their body and go at their own pace. Our teachers can guide students having difficulties to try practicing the yoga poses with moderation, or in a way that is just right for them. We really focus on breath and to visualize bringing breath into the back. Working with visualization can really help with back pain and whole-body awareness. |
