| CONGRATULATIONS! ...for having the desire to grow and try something new! Yoga may appear a bit intimidating if you have never experienced the practice. However, any beginner class will offer a safe and nourishing experience. Just come with an open mind and an open heart, wear comfortable clothes and trust in the guidance of our wonderful caring teachers.
Yoga is a process. It takes a few classes before one actually can relax enough and experience what the benefits are. Our minds and our physical bodies will always feel awkward in the beginning. It takes a desire to learn but mostly a will to "unlearn" old patterns and develop new habits. Yoga is never about what you look like or how accomplished you are in the movements. It is about feeling better physically, emotionally and mentally.
So welcome! ...and know you are among friends.
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- Is yoga for me?
Yoga is for everyone! Whatever your body type or health history, yoga provides tremendous benefits. Yoga develops mental, spiritual and physical health by creating balance in the body, breath and mind. If you are more flexible, yoga can help you develop strength and stability. If you are less flexible, yoga can help increase your range of movement and open constricted areas of the body. Through the practice towards balance, we create a state of equilibrium which allows the mind to penetrate inward and reconnect us with our own inner source.
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- How do I choose a class?
If you have never taken a yoga class, we suggest you take any class marked "good for beginners" in the class schedule. Try a few different teachers and styles until you find a class or teacher that resonates with you. if you like movement, try vinyasa classes which include breath synchronized movements that link poses in a flowing sequence. Vinyasa classes often use music to enhance the seamless flow of postures. If you like to work slowly and precisely, Iyengar classes focus on proper alignment so that you get maximum benefit from your yoga practice. Iyengar teachers will often stop and demonstrate how to work in each pose. Some teachers combine styles, creating a slower paced vinyasa that also includes a strong emphasis on alignment. Yoga is a 5,000 year old tradition with many paths. Avoid getting too caught up in the names of the different yoga classes. Each teacher will bring a unique perspective based upon their own training and experience.
If you are injured or working with a specific issue, private classes will teach you how to work with your specific condition. Privates also allow the opportunity to get one-on-one attention from a highly qualified yoga teacher.
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- What do I wear to a yoga class?
Anything that is comfortable and allows you to move without being overly revealing: t-shirts, leggings, shorts, yoga pants, or athletic apparel. During winter months, it is wise to layer your clothing so that as you warm-up during the practice you can remove the outer layers
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- How often should I practice?
You should practice when you can and not stress out when you can't! The more often you practice, the quicker you will realize the benefits of yoga, but if you can only make it to a yoga class once per week, you will still derive benefits. People tend to love the feelings of spaciousness and vitality they get from practicing yoga and look forward to class. The key is to take the first step and start attending a class once per week. You will soon find you will want to practice more and more!
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- How do I prepare for my yoga class?
The only thing you need to do to prepare for your first yoga class is to arrive a little early to fill out new student information and meet your teacher. Please tell the teacher if you have any injuries or conditions that may limit your yoga practice. If you aren't sure if your condition is limiting, please tell the teacher anyway as our job is first and foremost to keep you safe and healthy.
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What do I need to bring to yoga class?
We have yoga mats and props available for your use at no charge, but it is always best to bring your own mat when possible. Please be prepared to pay for the class with cash or check as the yoga center does not accept credit cards.
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- Will yoga help me lose weight?
Studies have shown that people who practice yoga regularly maintain a healthier weight. This is due to the self-awareness that yoga develops. You will become more aware of habits that do not serve you and you will become more aware of your body’s own internal cues. You will be more attuned to when you feel full or hungry. Yogis also tend to make healthier food choices as they are more sensitive to the energetic effects of the foods that they eat.
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- What are the benefits to private instruction?
Many! As mentioned above, if you are injured or working with a specific issue, private classes will teach you how to work with your specific condition. Privates also allow the opportunity to get one-on-one attention from a highly qualified yoga teacher.
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- Can I practice if I'm pregnant?
Certainly! At YAF, all of our teachers are qualified to modify the poses for pregnancy. We suggest coming to any beginner class if you have never practiced yoga. Further, we recommend that you consult your physician before starting a practice and please let the teachers know that you are pregnant.
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- Will yoga give me more energy?
Yes, creating space in the body and learning to work with the breath allows energy to flow freely throughout your system. Yoga helps you mentally unwind as well. You'll feel more energized after your very first yoga class!
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- Will yoga help me sleep more soundly?
Often yoga will help you fall asleep easier and sleep more soundly. In yoga, we learn how to tune out distracting thoughts. Focusing on your breath calms the mind and lowers the heart rate. Strengthening and stretching the body promotes a restful state afterwards.
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- How does yoga reduce stress?
Yoga may not get rid of our problems, but it helps us learn how to look at our issues in a healthy, objective way and not become reactive. Through the yoga practice, we learn how to breathe and calmly work through any discomfort. We learn not to run away from our issues, but to let them arise and dissipate. We don't feed into them. We also learn to back off if a situation is painful.
Often you will find that whatever was bothering you before class, has become less of an issue after class. Meditation also serves as an effective stress reducer.
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- What are the benefits of yoga if I exercise in other ways?
Many! Yoga is a wonderful counter balance to all forms of athletics and exercise. Many athletes have tight legs, shoulders and backs from repetitive motions. Yoga helps open tight muscles and increase range of movement. Often, athletes will say the greatest benefit they learn in their yoga classes is how to breathe more efficiently. By increasing the capacity of the lungs, you will have more energy for your chosen sport.
More and more professional athletic teams are including yoga in their conditioning training. Just ask the Bears or Tiger Woods!
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THREE CLASSES FOR JUST $36
(SAVE 20%)
One-time only introductory special. Explore a range of classes, meet our instructors, and discover the practice that’s right for you.
Just print the coupon(s) and FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW and we'll call you within 24 hours to discuss your particular situation. You can also call us at
630-960-5488.
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