Frequently Asked Questions and Ever Important Suggestions
What are the benefits of yoga?
Whatever your age or physical condition and whatever your religious belief or cultural heritage, the practice of yoga’s stretching and strengthening exercises and the breathing and relaxation techniques can help you to vastly improve the quality of your life and health. The word “healing” comes from the root, “to make whole.” The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit, meaning to yoke or discipline, to unite, to make whole. Because true health involves body, mind and spirit, yoga incorporates physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to unifying the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a human being.
Is Yoga a religion?
No, Yoga is not a religion. It is a nonsectarian method for promoting a healthy and harmonious lifestyle. Any person of any faith can practice yoga and find his or her religion enhanced as a result.
Can I, as a beginner, attend any class? Where should I start?
You may want to attend two or three of the Intro to Yoga classes or Fundamentals classes before attending Power 1. If you are not interested in Power Yoga, try Soft Flow, Restore or Pranayama classes first, and work your way up to Core Yoga. If you are interested in specifically gaining flexibility, attend our very popular Yoga for Stiffer Bodies class. All classes are challenging in different ways and all classes will have different levels attending. Attend at least 10 classes before giving up!

What do I need to wear? What should I avoid wearing?
Remove your shoes at the door and change into your bare feet. Wear comfortable clothing that will not overheat or overly bind. Please do NOT wear perfume or other scents, and we recommend not wearing makeup.

What should I bring?
Bring water, a towel, and a yoga sticky mat if you have one. You can borrow a mat at the studio, or ideally, everyone should - for hygienic reasons - own their own mat. We sell the three highest quality mats on the market at our studio, at the least expensive prices. For Restore classes, you may want to bring your own blanket, although we do have blankets available for your use. DO NOT bring a cell phone, or at least turn it off when you enter.

Should I eat before class?
Eat at least two hours before class and wait at least a half hour after class to eat. It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class.

What guidelines should I follow when I practice yoga?

Respect pain.
Distinguish between the normal discomfort of moving stiff joints and the pain caused by a destructive movement or an excessive demand on a joint. Sudden or severe pain is a warning. Continuing an activity after such a warning may cause joint damage. In general, if pain lasts more than two hours after an activity, ask someone who understands good alignment to check how you are practicing. Most problems can be overcome by paying close attention to your body’s innate feedback system.

Balance work and rest.
Yoga is about building energy. Balance your power yoga workouts with some restore classes.

Breathe properly.
Without fully expanding your lungs, the muscles you are exercising cannot be adequately supplied with oxygen. Smooth, peaceful, rhythmic breathing through the nose reduces pain and tension and increases the yogic feeling of deep relaxation. Watch the flow of your breath and your body’s response to a particular pose or exercise.

How often should I practice Yoga?
Successful yoga practice requires consistency and discipline. Practice a minimum of twice a week to see results. For overall transformation, practice 4 - 6 times a week. For cross training and for injury prevention, once or twice a week is suitable. Try to get in 3 - 4 days a week for your first 10 classes, just to jumpstart your routine.

Can I talk during class and ask questions?
We a Centered City Yoga love questions and love interacting with our students. However, please keep banter to a minimum to maintain a quiet atmosphere.

I am really fit. Will Yoga challenge me?
No matter what condition you are in, Yoga is a great way to enhance or surpass your current fitness level. Try it. You'll be hooked.

 

Am I too old to do yoga?
Can you still breathe? Then come in for a class.

 

What if there are no classes to meet my need on the schedule at this time?
If you want to see more classes on the schedule, or different times for classes, or other services made available, please let us know. We are constantly adding to and improving on our schedule, and we love feedback and suggestions. Call our hotline at 521-YOGA or e-mail info@centeredcityyoga.com.
 

Do you offer private and semi-private yoga classes?
Absolutely. We love privates! All of our instructors are qualified to teach private classes, which are done at the studio between the hours of 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Please call the office to schedule a private or semi-private session. 801-521-YOGA.


Nancy B.
I love the convenience of just dropping by after work. I have walked in after a trying day and walked out a different person. I did a little yoga at a gym-type environment and it was a great starting point. But, the classes were only about 55 minutes and there was very little assistance with understanding the poses. And what’s not to love about Adam, Amy, Dana, Karen, and John!!

"I am enjoying
the delicious sensations
of a new obsession
Thank you for encouraging me!"
xoo, La

Judi Sears
Thanks for everything. I am so glad you have come into my life. I was just telling a new consultant today, that she should have known me before you got a hold of me! You have changed me so much, by teaching me to stand up straight and use core strength and to be in a warrior pose without being terrified, etc. Thank you Dana.