- How is yoga different from stretching or other exercise?
Yoga is an ancient practice that is more than just physical postures. Yoga links breath with movement, which helps connect the mind to the body. Yoga helps one learn how to stay in the moment. Yoga focuses on physical asanas (poses), breathing, and meditation to increase the strength and flexibility of both body and mind.
Back To Top
- What if I’m not flexible?
If you are not flexible, then you are a perfect candidate for classes at the Yoga Lounge! It is important to remember that one of the goals of yoga is to maintain vitality, not just to increase your flexibility. Some of the things we do in our daily lives (like sitting at a computer) can make our muscles tight, and a steady practice of yoga can help counter inflexibility. All classes focus on increasing your flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
Back To Top
- Will yoga help my cardiovascular health?
Yes, yoga teaches you how to breathe deeper and more consciously allowing you to take in more oxygen, which helps keep muscles and tissue healthy. In advanced classes, you can experience an intense cardiovascular workout. Because we do Vinyasa flow, you will learn that your breath is connected to each posture. The word Vinyasa (pronounced VIN-YA-SA), means "arranging" or "placing in a special way," and refers to moving progressively from simple to more complex poses in a flowing manner when practicing yoga. By learning your breath, you will be continuing to move for a minimum of 30 minutes to one hour, depending on your class. During the class, you will be building up your cardio as you sweat and detoxify your body.
Back To Top
- What do I need for a yoga class?
To start you just need a mat (if you’re trying yoga for the first time and would like to borrow one just let us know). If you’d like to purchase one, we have a variety of mats that we sell in our Yoga Lounge Boutique.
For clothing, I always recommend any kind of comfortable exercise clothing. The key is to feel comfortable with what you’re wearing. For women, I recommend a form-fitting tee or tank that doesn’t tend to ride up. I often layer with a light long-sleeve shirt because when I start, I like to be a little extra warm and then have the ability to peel off the top to a cotton tank.
For men, comfortable athletic shorts are fine with a cotton tank or t-shirt that breathes. My husband likes to wear athletic shorts or has purchased yoga clothing here and in our travels. We will also be getting Lululemon Athletica in the spring, and they have a nice selection of Men’s clothing: shorts, full-length pants, and sweats that are ¾ length, which are nice because you do not trip on them and they are not as hot.
Feel free to stop in. I am happy to help you find the right attire for your needs. In addition I suggest bringing a towel and a water bottle. We do yoga in our bare feet, so no special shoes are needed.
Back To Top
- I’ve never tried yoga, which class should I take?
My recommendation is to start with our Vinyasa Flow/Basics classes for beginners. If a Basics class doesn’t work into your schedule, and if you have taken other exercise classes, feel free to start in an All Levels class. Let us know that you are new, and we will give you extra TLC. You will not be uncomfortable! Our classes are still fairly small, and you can always watch other students who may be more advanced. The instructors also walk around throughout the class and can assist you in your poses.
Back To Top
- What does Vinyasa mean?
The word vinyasa (pronounced VIN-YA-SA), means "arranging" or "placing in a special way," and refers to moving progressively from simple to more complex poses in a flowing manner when practicing yoga.
Back To Top
- Are all classes open to all students? Yes, all of our classes are ongoing and open to everyone. My belief in yoga is that we are all equal human beings with a mind, a body, and a soul enjoying practice together. My mom raised my family with the saying, “We all put our pants on one foot at a time…" We all practice together — no matter if you are starting today, or if you have practiced yoga for many years, everyone is made to feel comfortable at the Yoga Lounge. We also offer many workshops and special events that are tailored to specific groups and needs, such as mom and me workshops and yoga for athletes. Please see workshops and events tabs.
- How long should I wait after eating to begin practicing? Should I wait after practicing before eating?
What works best for me is to eat something that is less than 200 calories (i.e. a granola bar, half of a muffin, or toast with peanut butter) at least a half an hour before class. Everyone is different, and you know best how fast your metabolism works. The stomach should be empty when you go into class… by knowing this and how fast your body works, you can decide what is best for you. After practicing yoga, I believe that it is best to wait about a half an hour to eat.
Back To Top
- How many times should I do yoga in a week?
Everyone has a different answer for this question. You need to do what works best for your lifestyle and schedule. I believe the more you practice, the more you benefit. Base your practice on how your body feels — some days you’ll find that you need the power yoga, other days you’ll want restorative yoga. Even in the power classes, you can put yourself in a restorative pose, or you can allow yourself to do one more pose if you feel you need to “just do it!” Really go with how you’re feeling today — not how you felt yesterday, or how you’d like to feel tomorrow. Focus on where you are at the moment. Be mindful.
Back To Top
- What if I’m out of shape, can I still do yoga? Will yoga help me lose weight?
Actually, this would be the best way to get in shape. Those who may not have the strength, have a tendency to be very flexible. One of my best students was just starting a weight loss program and had not been exercising regularly since before having her children (about 6 years ago). Not only did she get in shape through yoga, she lost 75 pounds. You may not be able to complete an entire practice right from the beginning, but be patient. Start slowly, and it will come.
Yoga is about the connection between your mind and body - you can be in great shape but have trouble controlling your mind. Instead of going to the refrigerator and eating between meals, go into Gorilla Pose — also known as “Temptation Pose” (please see “Yoga Poses”). It’s like the regular runner who feels they can eat anything today and go out to run 12 miles tomorrow to make up for it — it isn’t helping as much as they think it is. Practicing yoga will help you learn to control your temptations, a real key to weight loss.
Back To Top
- Do I have to be a vegetarian or vegan to experience the full benefits of yoga?
No. If it is important to you… great! Personally, I eat whatever my body craves and what feels best. I like to experiment with different foods. I try to be balanced in my eating throughout the day and get all of the food groups in if I can. Do what feels best for you!
Back To Top
Back To Top