| Q. | How is the class time structured? Is it all “doing yoga?” |
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| A. | Most classes begin by focusing 10 to 15 minutes breathing practices, or pranayama. Yoga poses, called asanas, are taught for the next 45 to 50 minutes. Classes end with 5 to-15 minutes of guided relaxation, meditation or, sometimes, yogic chanting. |
| Q. | Why is breathing so important in yoga? |
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| A. | In the practice of yoga, the breath is your tool. Like a paint brush to an artist, your breath guides you through your yoga practice. It also allows for deep detoxification of your body. Since we release 80% of toxins through our breath it is very important to breathe deeply and fully during Yoga. |
| Q. | Why is guided relaxation and meditation important in yoga? |
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| A. | After a yoga class, relaxation and meditation helps us focus our energy even further inward, to take greater advantage of the changes that our pranayama (breath) and asanas (poses) have helped us achieve during class. This relaxation is a static meditation which can calm str valign="top"ess levels and invigorate your body.
Our pranayama and asanas prepare us for a profound experience through meditation and relaxation. This is an essential part of yoga practice. It is, in fact, the last piece of what is called the “Eight-Fold Pathway” to a fuller and more aware life. |
| Q. | What do I wear? |
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| A. | Yoga is done in bare feet. Wear clothing that is non-restrictive (like tights or long leg shorts, and t-shirts or fitted tops; underwire bras are discouraged). Wear clothes that are somewhat form fitting, the teacher needs to see the outline of your body. It is highly recommended to wear only natural fibers such as 100% cotton or hemp, but it is not required. You can wear what you like. Natural fibers are much more breathable and sustainable.
GreenLife has bathrooms and a place for you to store your shoes, personal affects and outerwear or street clothes during class. |
| Q. | What do I need to bring to class? |
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| A. | GreenLife provides a few yoga mats for a $1.00 rental fee. Eventually it is important to have your own mat to practice at home. Please see our online store to by an Eco-Yoga mat. We also suggest bringing some water, and a small towel. |
| Q. | If I have a chronic illness or injury, can I still practice yoga? |
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| A. | Generally, yes, but be sure to consult with your doctor and let your teacher know what your condition is. Most Hatha Yoga poses and practices can be modified to account for an illness or injury, and the GreenLife also offers other styles of Yoga, please ask for a consultation prior to arriving if you have specific conditions. We can suggest a class for you. |
| Q. | Is yoga a cardiovascular exercise? |
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| A. | The heart is a muscle, so yoga will tone and strengthen it over time and if a daily yoga program includes poses that are designed to work the heart efficiently. However, Hatha Yoga as it is practiced at the GreenLife is not a form of cardiovascular or aerobic exercise as most people generally think of those terms today. Some current forms of yoga do, however, integrate aerobics and cardiovascular exercise into their programs. |
| Q. | Is yoga strength training? |
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| A. | Yoga will gradually strengthen and tone your muscle structure. |
| Q. | I'm not very flexible, can I do yoga? |
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| A. | Yoga is aimed at gradually making you more flexible and stronger. Your degree of flexibility and level of strength when you start do not matter at all. In fact, if you’re asking whether your lack of flexibility is important, it indicates that you understand the first concept and goal of yoga – being mentally flexible and open to new possibilities and to your own potential. |
