Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga
Information for new students:
Q: What do I need to bring/wear to class?
A. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing such as T shirt and shorts or leggings. Baggy pants are NOT the best yoga attire, as it is important to be able to see your knees. If you have your own yoga sticky mat, please bring it. In some locations, mats are provided. Two firm mexican style blankets are highly recommended as well. Other props are usually provided. Please refrain from eating at least 2-3 hours before class. A light snack is OK. Plan to practice in bare feet.
Q: Can you recommend some yoga books and videos?
A. The following are a great way to get started:
Yoga the Iyengar Way by Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta
Yoga, the Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann
The New Yoga for People over 50 by Suza Francina
How to Use Yoga by Mira Mehta
Most videos I've seen are OK to practice with occasionally, after you have learned the poses in class, but are too fast for beginners. One video that is an especially good intro for beginners, is Yoga for Dummies.
Q: Can you recommend any yoga magazines?
A. Yoga International (yimag.org) and Yoga Journal (yogajournal.com) are both excellent and have articles for beginners.
Q: I'm not very flexible. I'm not very young. Can I still do yoga?
A. There is no requirement that one already be flexible (or young) before starting yoga. Props are used to modify poses when necessary for different levels of ability. It is more important to come to class with an open attitude than an flexible body. My most successful students have the ability to listen well to instructions and are willing to try new things, including things they think they can't do.
Q: I took a hatha yoga class once. Will this be the same?
A. "Hatha" is an umbrella term that refers to the physical practices of poses and breathing. There are many different styles of hatha yoga, which can be quite different from each other. The Iyengar system of hatha yoga, while it can be physically challenging, emphasizes proper alignment and use of props so one can do the practice safely. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Q: What do I need to bring to class? What do I wear?
A. Plan to practice in bare feet. Tights, shorts, or leggings are preferable over long baggy pants. If you have your own sticky mat, please bring that to class as well. Call for more info on what to bring. (Depends on location.)
Q: I want to bring a friend. Is that OK?
A. Sure! If she/he is a beginner, check to make sure the class is open to beginners.
Q: I'd like to sign up, but I will be have to miss a few classes. What can I do?
A. I try to keep prices low enough that even if you miss a few weeks, you still are getting a great value. But if you think you may miss a lot, you may want to consider private classes or my new package of private and group classes (see description under calendar) Drop-in rates are also available to students who have taken at least one session.
Q: Do you have any men in your classes?
A. Yes, I do. I have had college students in their 20's, athletes in their 30's and professional men in their 50's and 60's. Classes that are for women only will be clearly labeled as such.