Info
You’ve heard this before, and we’ll say it again: Yoga is for everyone, of all ages and abilities. At Downtown Yoga Shala, we are a supportive, non-competitive environment that encourages a safe and inspired practice for all who come to class. For those new to yoga, please come with an open mind and heart, and be patient with yourself and the process. The joys of yoga will soon be revealed to you in unexpected ways as its benefits spill into your daily lives. You are embarking on a journey with yourself, creating a mindfulness about your own body and how magnificent it is to be able to breathe life in and promote health and healing in ways you may not have known before. For those already practicing yoga, please feel free to explore and be creative in your self-expression, listening mindfully to your body and its needs.
Some Recommended Guidelines
1. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in, change and set aside belongings, turn off cellphones, find your space on the studio floor, allowing yourselves a few minutes on your mat to unwind before class.
2. We care about your safety. Please inform the teacher of any injuries or concerns before class.
3. Wear comfortable clothes. Layers are best as your body temperature may change throughout the practice. No shoes on the studio floor please.
4. Mats and towels are available for rent. However, we recommend that you bring your own mat and towel. We offer mat storage, so if you have a mat bag, please label it properly. We also have a selection of mats and mat bags available for sale.
5. We recommend coming to class well hydrated and avoid practicing on a full stomach. One of yoga’s many benefits is the flushing out of toxins, and water helps this process.
6. We request that you stay through the end of class, and that you do not leave during savasana to allow everyone a few minutes of quiet after practice.
“Do I Need to be Flexible?” and Other Questions
1. Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
Not at all. On the contrary, flexibility is one of the benefits of coming to yoga. If you are not flexible, yoga is exactly what you need!
2. What is vinyasa?
Vi-nyasa literally means “to place – in a special way”. Hence, it refers to a thoughtful sequence of poses that gradually builds to create space and openness one pose at a time. At all times, you are moving and flowing through the postures in synchronicity with the breath.
3. What is savasana? It is the final pose of every yoga class, some say the most important of all the poses. Literally translated as “corpse pose”, it requires total relaxation lying on your back with the eyes closed. In yoga, when certain poses are done which affect the glands of the endocrine system, certain hormones are produced which bring the body into the anabolic state. Organs and tissues are “built up” increasing muscle mass, bone growth. During savasana, the body is put in a state whereby cells can repair and rejuvenate themselves. It is important to allow enough time for savasana, and that this time is free of distractions to allow for maximum relaxation.
4. How often should I practice yoga?
As often as possible! Once a week is a good start, twice or thrice even better to see immediate benefits. Most of the teachers have yoga as a daily practice.
5. What IS yoga anyway?
Yoga literally means “union” of body, mind and spirit. It is an ancient practice which benefits the body in many ways:
- Improves circulation, breathing and stamina
- Tones muscles and assists in weight loss
- Improves posture and eases muscle pain
- Stimulates the endocrine glands
- Improves digestion and elimination
- Improves certain heart conditions
- Boosts the immune system
- Decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Sharpens mental faculties
However, the physical practice is not all that yoga is about. While we start with body postures and movement, this is only possible with mindful breathing and a calm focus. Eventually, the harmony between body, mind and spirit will become a natural expression not only on the mat and perhaps also off the mat and into your daily lives.
6. More questions?
Please feel free to email us and we will promptly get back to you.
