Yoga FAQ | All About Yoga Henderson NV

Yoga FAQ

What is Yoga?
Is Yoga for everyone? What if I'm stiff and out of shape?
How is Yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?
Will Yoga help me lose weight?
Is Yoga a religion?
What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?
How often should I attend yoga class?
What should I wear and bring to class?
Do I need to have my own mat?
Must I pre-register before coming to class?
Gentle Beginners
Beginners
Mixed
Intermediate
Advanced
What is Yoga?
Yoga classes include breathing exercises and warm-ups to prepare for Yoga poses and movements, Yoga postures and movements for strength, flexibility and balance and deep relaxation practice for stress relief. Yoga provides a well-rounded mind/body workout using breath and movement to deepen self-awareness, concentration and inner calmness while building tone and strength, increasing flexibility and balance, and improving coordination. Yoga is well known for it effectiveness in integrating the body and the mind. This means working on physical as well as mindfulness goals through concentration and focus on your present moment experience. This inward focus gradually leads to a quieter mind, inner calmness, and physical health.
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Is Yoga for everyone? What if I'm stiff and out of shape?
Yoga classes vary greatly in level of difficulty. Classes range from Gentle Yoga; for beginners who are more out of shape and need to start slowly, to classes that develop and require more endurance and ability to move comfortably. If you are able to kneel and squat down fairly comfortably, a regular Beginner's Yoga class is right for you.
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How is Yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?
Yoga involves more conscious awareness of breath and the work you are doing with your body. Poses and movements are unique and have specific purposes and effects on the body. The breath is used to deepen stretches and flexibility. Focus and concentration are key ingredients in Yoga practice.
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Will Yoga help me lose weight?
Yoga can help you to lose weight gradually and permanently when you practice regularly and eat reasonably. As you become stronger and develop greater stamina, a more intensive Yoga practice will help your body maintain weight control and excellent tone.
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Is Yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a practical approach to healthy living based on a philosophy that mind, body and spirit are one. Yoga has many branches and practices besides Hatha Yoga, the physical fitness part of Yoga. There are many excellent books that explain Yoga in depth.
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What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?
Before you begin any exercise program, get permission from your physician or physical therapist. If you have medical approval to exercise, be sure to inform your Yoga instructor of your condition and limitations. Take care of yourself in class and avoid doing anything that doesn't feel right or that causes you pain. We recommend that you work with the same Yoga instructor regularly rather than take random classes from different teachers.
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How often should I attend yoga class?
Ideally, two times per week. This gives you two good practice sessions. If you can do at least two practices at home each week, for a total of four workouts, you will experience good, steady results. Once a week is fine also and can be complemented with three to four home practices.
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What should I wear and bring to class?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing. Make sure you can kneel, squat and reach down toward your toes without being encumbered by clothing. Avoid wearing very large T-shirts and tight fitting pants other than exercise pants that stretch. Shorts, sweats, leggings, non-bulky T-shirts, leotards, and fitness wear are all appropriate.
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Do I need to have my own mat?
We provide mats and other props at no charge for classes. If you prefer to use your own mat you may purchase one. We have a wide range of colors and types, varying from thin to thick, available for purchase. Many of our students prefer to bring their own mat to class once they have developed a regular practice.
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Must I pre-register before coming to class?
Beginners should pre-register for class to insure they have a space in the class. If you do not have a chance to pre-register, call the day a class begins to make sure there is still space available.
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Gentle Beginners: An easy-does-it class with emphasis on breath, warm ups that loosen stiff joints and yoga poses that improve balance, strength, flexibility and tone.
Beginners Ideal for the beginning student, this class offers many important basics of proper form and practice. You will learn a variety of yoga postures and sequences including forward bends, backbends, twists, side stretches, and gentle inversions.
Mixed: All students who have taken Beginners Yoga are welcome. We suggest no brand new beginners. A great practice class for those who have attended yoga before.
Intermediate: A more challenging practice class, Intermediate Yoga emphasizes Sun Salutations, sequencing poses, alignment, preparation for more advanced asanas, breath work and deepening awareness.
Advanced: This class includes deeper work and challenging poses. This class builds endurance, focuses on deepening and empowering asana work with the breath and addresses advanced postures such as Headstand and Upward Bow. Please see the instructor if you are interested in this class.
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All classes at SMCN are limited to about 12 students each so that teachers and assistants can give personalized attention to each student.

Yoga FAQs