Yoga FAQ
General Yoga Questions
Yes, absolutely, yoga is for everyone. Anyone can practice yoga. Even if you just practice the breathing exercise, you are practicing yoga. Yoga is basically a breathing exercise. The poses are secondary. There are modifications of poses to accommodate everyone’s limitations.
Is yoga just stretching?This is also a common misconception about yoga. Yoga is not just stretching. Although, in the beginner classes, we move very slowly, and there is a lot of stretching, and holding standing poses for several breaths, which is strengthening. In the upper level classes, expect a lot of movement, incorporating stretching, strengthening, endurance and at the same time, relaxation.
How many times a week should I practice yoga?
Pattabhi Jois (a yoga master) said that yoga is 95% practice and 5% theory. He also said that “practice yoga and all is coming.” Practice as much as you can, but a minimum 3 times a week is recommended. Practicing 3-6 times a week, you see a life changing result. You will see results quicker if you have a consistent 3-6 times a week practice, but transformation will happen over time with consistent at least 3 times a week practice.
I am not flexible. Will I be safe doing yoga?
That is the most common question. Most of the people that practice yoga started out because they are not flexible. With consistent practice, you will develop more flexibility and strength. Be patient with your body. Practice, practice, practice.
Think beach! You need to wear whatever is comfortable for you, either loose or tight fitted spandex clothes. No sweat pants. There are poses where if your clothes are very loose it might be distracting trying to keep them in place. Footwear (other than yoga socks) are not worn inside the studio.
You need to bring your own mat, towel, and water. You may consider an anti-skid mat accessory, such as Yogi Toes.
Will I be safe practicing in a heated room?
You should ask your physician if practicing yoga in a heated room is safe for you. The heat is really designed to make the muscles and joints more supple, avoiding injuries. The heat ranges from 89-95 degrees, depending on the level of classes and the pacing of the teacher. It takes about 2 weeks of consistent practice to acclimate the body to the heat.
Power Flow Yoga offers Vinyasa style hot yoga. The room is heated from 89 degrees for a beginner class to 95 degrees depending on the teacher’s pace for the class. In the Vinyasa flow, the movements are linked to the breath of either inhaling or exhaling, sometimes holding poses longer and other times moving faster. The temperature may be in the low 90’s or mid 90’s depending on the pace of the class. The sequence of poses is smooth and fluid in which one pose runs to the next like a dance, and almost always includes sun salutations. This style of yoga can be very vigorous, depending on the level of the class, but there are always modifications that different students can make on their own. A beginning student can take a level 3 class and still get a good practice, because modifications will be shown.
