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What is yoga?

Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian physical, spiritual and philosophical practice.  It literally means "union" in Sanskrit, the classical language of India.  Yoga is actually more correctly understood as a science of mind oriented towards understanding the mind/body relationship.  The physical aspect of Yoga (Hatha Yoga) use poses and focused breathing to create a greater union of mind, body and spirit.

          Yogash citta vritti nirodhah

          (Yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind)

          Tada drashthuh svarupe' vasthanam

          (Then the true self appears)

                         - Patanjali (great yoga sage)

The pure teachings of Yoga have no theological orientation and when correctly taught will help anyone of any religious tradition deepen their own faith.

Why do yoga?

The short answer is that it just makes you feel better.  A typical class will leave you feeling energized and relaxed. You will work your muscles and will properly align your bones; you will breathe deeply, oxygenating the lungs and blood; you will experience true deep relaxation.

According to research, yoga helps manage and control anxiety, reduces stress and tension, boosts self esteem, improves concentration and creativity, lowers fat, improves circulation, and stimulates the immune system.  Some of the ailments that yoga can help to improve, and in some cases completely eradicate are arthritis, asthma, back pain, high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Who can do yoga?

Anyone, regardless or body type, age, experience, or physical abilities, can practice yoga.

All that matters is that you do your personal best.  If you can’t touch your knees at first, no problem: postures can be modified to accommodate your current level.  If you are physically challenged, you can do yoga seated in a chair. Even those who are bedridden can do yoga and we can all benefit greatly from "pranayama," the yoga of the breath.

What are the different types of Hatha (physical) yoga?

Anusara

Anuara means ¨flowing with grace¨.  It´s a hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with universal principles of alignment.  For more information go to www.anusara.com.

Ashtanga
Based on a set series of poses, often practiced at a vigorous pace, that emphasize continuity of movement and purification through breath.  For more information go to www.ayri.org.
 

Bikram
Also referred to as ¨Hot Yoga¨, classes consist of the same 26 poses practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees.   For more information go to www.bikramyoga.com.
 

Iyengar
Focuses on the precision and correct alignment of each pose.  Props, such as blocks or blankets, are used to help improve alignment.  For more information go to www.bksiyengar.com.

Kundalini
Classes emphasize rapid breathing techniques, chanting, and mantra meditation. The objective is to open and awaken the kundalini energy stored at the base of the spine.  For more information go to www.kundaliniyoga.com.
 

Power/Vinyasa Yoga
A Westernized approach to ashtanga yoga.  Instead of a set series of postures, the poses featured in each class vary.  For more information go to www.poweryoga.com.

What do I look for in a teacher?

First and foremost find someone you trust and respect.  Also, since yoga is a relatively unregulated field, use the same care in selecting a teacher as you would any health care professional.  Feel free to ask any potential teacher about his or her training, certifications, teaching experience, and personal yoga practice.

If you have any physical problems or limitations, be sure to describe them to a potential teacher to see if they feel comfortable working with you.

This time you spend laying the groundwork for your teacher/student relationship will help to ensure your safety, comfort and overall success.