How To Prepare and FAQ's
What should I wear/bring to class? Please bring a bottle of water, a towel and a mat if you have one. Note that the studio has public mats and also has water. Wear comfortable exercise clothing that you can sweat in. Also, please arrive to the studio about 15 minutes before your first class to meet your instructor and fill out a short “new student” form (submit online or print and bring with you to class). This will also leave you ample time to ask any questions, prepare for class, and relax onto your mat. Open your mind and be prepared to have fun.
What are some of the benefits of yoga? There are countless benefits to Flow yoga classes, including stress reduction, increased blood circulation, flexibility, and strength; and improved sleep patterns and relaxation. A regular practice (at least three times a week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders).
Is yoga a cardiovascular workout? No matter what your level of fitness, you will find Flow Power Yoga classes not only challenging, but powerful workouts that go beyond just cardiovascular workouts. All postures combine flexibility, strength, and balance to work the entire body. With patience and dedication, you can lose weight, develop muscle tone and strength, and become more flexible than with other forms of exercise. Physiologists agree that yoga provides benefits well beyond flexibility and relaxation. Recent research shows that yoga may also improve lung function, strength and aerobic capacity, according to Yoga Journal.
When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice? Each individual will respond differently to yoga, based on a myriad of factors including age, physical condition, and genetics. What is far more important than measuring "progress" is to simply embrace where your practice is, and let go of any arbitrary 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. Yoga is about the journey, so enjoy the ride.
How often should I practice yoga? A successful yoga practice requires discipline, consistency and commitment. To experience the true benefits of a yoga practice, we recommend practicing 4 to 5 days per week. A practice of two to three days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. Develop the spirit of repetition and dedication in your practice and you will see results.
What if I'm not that flexible? Flexibility is something yoga gives you; you don't have to be flexible to start a yoga practice. Yoga brings flexibility to the body. When you sit a lot during the work day, or when you're engaging in repetitive motion activities, you're shortening your muscles; yoga allows you to lengthen and expand, and release toxins that build up during these activities. Increased flexibility is not yoga's only objective, nor its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga - to harmoniously unite body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice - can be experienced regardless of whether you're able to easily touch your toes.
Why is the studio sometimes heated and will this make the class more challenging for me? Yoga Sculpt and Flow Power Yoga 2 & 3 classes are sometimes practiced in a heated room which helps stretch muscle fibers and tendons, and helps prevent injuries to these areas while stretching. The heat also helps increase circulation to tissues and organs, enhances the functioning of the immune system, and provides great healing influence to the entire body.
The heat will make the classes more challenging. However, we encourage students to pace themselves and determine the intensity that works best for them in each pose and throughout the class. Flow Power Yoga classes will provide a healthy, challenging workout that will give you a strong and stress-free road map to life.
Can beginners attend Flow Power Yoga classes? Yes. We try to create an encouraging environment in which all levels and abilities can practice yoga.
We recommend beginners start with a Flow BASICS class. This is an unheated beginner level Vinyasa class. Depending on the student's experience, we generally recommend taking anywhere from five to ten FLOW BASICS classes before taking a Flow Power Yoga 2 or a Yoga Sculpt class. Flow Power Yoga also offers Slow Flow/Prenatal Flow & Anusara; these classes are open to all levels.
We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class and recommend beginners commit to attending three classes in the first week. This will create a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding that will eventually help build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility.
What does 'Namasté' mean? A Flow Power Yoga instructor may end class with the traditional acknowledgement of "Namasté." This gesture is an acknowledgement of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow; "as" means I; and "te" means you. Therefore, Namasté literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you." This gesture is a deep form of respect.
What does ‘Yoga' mean? Yoga can be traced back to 5,000 years ago and is a Sanskrit word meaning to join, or yoke; union. Its' full meaning is about the union of body, mind and spirit. It also is about the ending of the chatter of the mind, so that the mind can experience stillness, thus a meditative mind can be nurtured.
