Starting Out

Some Commonly Asked Questions About Beginning Yoga

Q: I’m not very flexible. Can I still do yoga?
A: Flexibility has little to do with whether or not one can practice yoga. Some people are born naturally flexible, others must work to attain flexibility. A regular yoga practice will gradually increase anyone’s flexibility. However, increased flexibility itself is not yoga’s only objective nor is it the only benefit yoga has to offer. The ultimate benefit of yoga -- to harmoniously unite body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice -- can be experienced regardless of whether or not you can touch your toes. It is important to remember that the postures are tools to open the body, rather than goals to be achieved.

Q: What if everyone else in the class is more advanced than I am?
A: Yoga practice emphasizes individual development. Everyone works at his or her own level and pace within the same class. Often, an instructor will offer several variations to students of a given pose, some less challenging than others. It is also important to remember that a new student who is just able to enter the beginning stages of a given posture is doing as much work (and receiving as much benefit) as the advanced student who can perform the fully completed version.

Q: How many times a week should I attend classes?
A: Beginning students will benefit from as little as one class per week. To receive more benefits from your yoga practice, two to three classes per week are recommended. Depending on how your own body responds to yoga, you may take classes every day if you wish. Once you become familiar with the basic postures, you can begin to develop your own yoga practice at home, with a daily practice being the ultimate goal for some students.

Q: What level of class is appropriate for me?
A: Beginning students should begin with either “Gentle” or Level 1 classes. Even if the level of physical challenge feels minimal, the slower pace and detailed instruction offered in these classes will help to firmly establish technique, such as form, alignment and breathing. These classes will also begin to accustom your body to the “building blocks” of yoga, preparing you for more advanced classes.

Q: I have a back/shoulder/neck/knee injury, etc. What should I do?
A: Always feel free to introduce yourself to your instructor and describe any injuries you might have. He or she will then be able to advise you as to how to “work around” your problem area to avoid further injury. The instructor may also be able to suggest particular exercises that might help to bring increased mobility and healing to your injuries. In any event, listen to your body’s feedback. If anything you do in yoga feels painful or uncomfortable, you should “back off.” Your instructor will most likely be able to recommend an appropriate alternative pose for you during the class.

Q: When can I expect to see “progress” in my yoga practice?
A: Each individual will respond to yoga differently, based on a variety of factors including age, physical condition, genetics, etc. What is more important than measuring “progress” based on a pre-conceived idea of where you want your practice to be, is to embrace where your practice is and let go of any self-imposed “goals.” Yoga is truly a life-long pursuit, one that you can go on exploring as long as you live and never learn all there is to know. As American Yoga Master Joel Kramer has said, “The essence of yoga is not attainments, but how awarely you work with your limits -- wherever and whatever they may be.”

Q: How do I start taking classes?
A:You can choose from among any of our weekly schedule of on-going classes and attend whenever you like. You are not required to attend any particular class exclusively, nor do you need to make reservations. Just drop in! If you are a local resident, you are also invited to try your first class free (excluding workshops) at your convenience.