What does yoga mean?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that literally means “union". To me it is a practice of “integration” that brings together mind, body, and spirit (essence, soul, energy, entirety - pick one that fits for you!) of who we truly are. It is about creating a space for our entire self to "show up" in the world. To simply BE. It is not a religion though for many it may be a spiritual experience. I would ask you to make it mean whatever works for you.

What does Namaste mean?
Namaste is the traditional greeting and farewell between participants in yoga class. Literally it means, “The Divine in me recognizes the Divine in you.” It is traditionally said with the hands together and the head bowed. In more contemporary terms, it is the understanding that no matter what our size, shape, age, etc. we are all from the "One". While we celebrate our differences we realize that we are all in this thing called life together, and Namaste, for me, is about recognizing the sense of belonging for each of us, and the need to have our true selves expressed and seen. In yet deeper terms it can be about seeing a sense of yourself in others, and a sense of others in you. Again, make it mean what feels right for you!

What kind of yoga do you teach?
I teach a Vinyasa Flow syle of yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a practice that intelligently sequences various yoga poses (asanas) together, linking movement with breath. This flow allows for a full expression of Self and becomes a sort of Meditation in Action! The class I teach is an eclectic blend of traditions including Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Hatha yoga. I integrate mindfulness meditation and empowering metaphor into my classes as well. My greatest influences have been Baron Baptiste (Baptiste Power Yoga Institute), Rusty Wells, and Seane Corn. On the mind side I have been influenced through my strength-based psychotherapy training, utilizing a relational model, and in addition by such teachers as Ram Dass, Stephen Levine, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

What should I wear to class?
This is your class and your practice, so you are invited to wear whatever feels comfortable to you. You will see people wearing shorts, t-shirts, tank tops. People seem to feel comfortable wearing something that fits closer to the body so that when you are in an inverted pose or forward bend; your shirt does not fall back into your face. Yoga is most usually practiced in bare feet on a mat.

What should I bring to class with me?
By all means bring water and a towel. Be prepared to SWEAT! Some may bring a change of clothes for after class. Yoga props such as blocks and straps are available for your use in the studio. Mats are available to rent for $3.00.

Should I eat something before class?
This is a personal decision. It is not at all uncommon for folks to experience gas if they eat within 1-2 hours before class. There, I said it! People rarely talk about it, but it's just a fact. The sense of relaxation, relaxed muscles, and twisting or folding poses can at times create a need to relieve gas. Holding off eating right before class can help decrease this very normal experience for folks. It’s one that even yoga teachers don’t address too often, but it is a reality. If you are having a particularly difficult time, by all means step out of class for a moment or two. For all other people know you are going to the bathroom. But know that you are not alone. A protein shake or light snack may be enough to hold you through a class until you can eat afterwards.

Are shower facilities available at your studio?
No. Not much else to say about that!

I’m really out of shape and embarrassed about it. How should I start?
Yoga is an inward journey. The participants around you won’t be focusing on you, but on their own breath and practice. There is room for everyBODY in class. Regardless of age, body shape or size, there is a place for you in these classes assuming you are in good health. The expectation is that everyone's poses will look different as everyone's body is different. That is natural and expected. We are by NO means looking for perfect poses, in fact there are no perfect poses, there are simply HEALTHY poses for you and YOUR body. Yoga is a physical practice that opens us up to emotional blocks which interfere with our growth. If you are so inclined, I would invite you to use this block or anxiety as your first lesson in yoga – to challenge your beliefs about yourself or who you are in this world. There are no judgments or competitions in class, though there may be some in your mind! The classes will help identify these barriers to you and you will be invited to explore and even move through them within the support of the class in your own time. Also, please know that we ALL tend do deal with insecurities in one form or another. Yoga is a great tool to gain mastery over them.

Its reasonable to expect that the first class may be a challenge or tough for you. Know that is was for everyone! I recommend taking 4-6 classes to really begin to understand and learn the various postures and your body's relationship to them. At that point you will feel yourself "flowing" from movement to movement. The practice is really quite stress-releasing.

If this continues to prove to be a block for you, perhaps arrange for a few individual private lessons to increase your confidence in your practice and bring the focus inward vs. outward.

How often should I practice?
Consistency is the key. For life changing results I recommend practice 3-5 days per week. It takes time to develop flexibility and confidence in your practice. Of course you can also practice 1-2 days per week and still create transformation. Remember anything you do for yourself counts! In short, a little yoga more regularly will prove more useful than a lot of yoga infrequently. Yoga is about a commitment to yourself.

Can I loose weight doing yoga?
Yes you can. Flow style yoga has a cardiovascular component which does assist with fat burning. Naturally with differing body types and metabolisms the results will vary from person to person. The frequency and intensity of your practice will influence your results, and yes calorie intake counts too!

What if I have exercise-induced asthma or other physical problems?
Class participants are encouraged to discuss all specific medical conditions with their physician prior to engaging in yoga or any exercise program. Each participant signs a release at each class on a sign-in sheet, indicating that they have done so if need be. You can always modify any pose and rest at anytime your body so desires. Yoga truly helps bring awareness to the body and Self. This is your practice. Follow at your own pace. Listen to your body and modify as needed.

I’m not very flexible. I’m not sure yoga is for me?
Yoga is a very personalized practice. For any one pose, I will offer 2-3 modifications or adjustments so that everyone can feel successful in finding the pose that is right for them. Also, flexibility occurs across a variety of levels: Mind, body, and spirit. If you bring a flexible mind that is open to possibility, just trust that your body will follow with continued practice. In my teaching style I continue to ask participants to bring an open, non-judgmental mind. Remember yoga is a PRACTICE. You may notice that your flexibility changes from day to day, within the same body! It’s all okay. Just be open to the possibility of variations of definitions for successful practice. Yoga will help you identify blocks to flexibility and with practice and use of your breath notice how these blocks will dissolve and help you return to a sense of greater flexibility.

I am older and stiff. Can I do yoga?
Yes. This is your practice. Modifications of each pose will be offered so that you can find a way to participate in the class at a level that is right for you and honors your body. Yoga is quite beneficial for aging gracefully and bringing back a sense of lost flexibility.

What are some of the benefits of yoga?
• Improves strength, muscle tone, and flexibility
• Develops lean muscle mass which stimulates resting metabolism. (Did you know, 1 pound of lean muscle burns 50 calories per day?)
• Increases range of motion by actually increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons
• Relieves physical tension
• Reduces daily and emotional stress
• Reduces or eliminates back pain; can prevent re-injury
• Lengthens and strengthens muscles
• Can help reduce blood pressure
• Massages all internal organs and glands
• Helps detoxify the body by gentle stretching of muscles and joints, thus flushing out toxins from the body.
• Improves digestion
• Increases physical stamina and energy
• Promotes a state of relaxation
• Helps us grow – mind, body, and spirit
• In a group setting, increases our sense of connectedness to others, develop friendships, and creates a sense of zest in our lives
• Yoga does not just relieve stress, it helps bring awareness and teaches you new tools for dealing with stress in your life.
• From an emotional perspective, your yoga practice can be seen as a metaphor for your life. It is also a reminder of what is possible for your life. What occurs on your mat can be considered a mirror of your life experience. We use our practice as way to transform our lives.
• And too many more to list…