Here
are some we have been asked, in no special order.
Q.
I have never taken a yoga class. Where should I begin?
A. At a level 1 yoga class. At The Bo Tree these are offered on Tues and
Thurs at 7 pm. We offer an Welcome to Yoga series that is perfect for
beginners, which is 4 classes in a month for $40.
Q.
I am not very flexible. Can I do yoga?
A. If you are not very flexible, then yoga is exactly what will help you!
In yoga, the postures are combined with breathing and relaxation so that
tight muscles can soften and release much easier than with plain/basic
stretching. If you practice yoga regularly for even a month or two, you
will notice an improvement in your flexibility.
Q.
What are the different styles of yoga?
A. There are many different yoga styles. Most styles practiced in the
West fall under the tree of Hatha Yoga, which incorporates physical postures
and breathing exercises. The main style that we offer at The Bo Tree is
Vinyasa
Flow which emphasizes creativity, breath, and movement.
Q.
How many times a week should I practice?
A. In order to feel the benefits of yoga, it is recommended that you practice
at least once a week, but practicing 2-3 times a week is ideal for beginners.
For those who have or want to start a Vinyasa Flow or Ashtanga Vinyasa
practice, it is recommended to practice on a regular basis. 2-3 times
a week is the minimum to develop the strength and stamina needed, however
4-6 days a week is highly recommended.
Q.
I am too stiff to do yoga.
A. Not a question, but a wonderful excuse and one
of our favorites. When you do yoga, you become more flexible. There is
no such thing as "too stiff" - believe us, no matter how stiff
you are, yoga can help. Come to a level one class and give it a shot!
Q.
Should I do some yoga at home on days that I can't come to class?
A. Aboslutely! Even if your home practice is 10-20 minutes at first, it
will help your body get used to opening and will make the classes more
effective.
Q.
What poses should I do at home?
A.
To begin a home practice, start with a few basic poses that you have learned
in class. You may consult your instructor or a book for ideas about how
to sequence and form your home practice.
Q.
Can I get the same benefits from a home video?
A.
A home video can be helpful to those seeking a guided routine and don't
quite know where to start. However, a video is not a valid replacement
for an instructor, and it can lead to getting stuck in the same routine.
We have found audio CD's to be helpful for those who desire some guidance
in their home practice. Shiva Rea's Yoga Sanctuary and Yoga Chant CD sets
are excellent guides and can be purchased at the Bo Tree.
Q.
I now do yoga at a health club/gym/fitness center. What is different about
doing yoga at a yoga studio?
There are several key differences between yoga at health glubs and at
yoga studios. First of all, the health club environment is not always
condusive to yoga. Distractions such as loud music, voices, and smells
can sometimes take away from your yoga experience. Secondly, many yoga
instructors at gyms are inexperienced, or their training is fitness-based,
such as the YogaFit Certification. At yoga studios, instructors typically
spend years in training. In a yoga studio you will also get more personalized
attention. Specialty classes like Vinyasa, Back Care, Kids, and Prenatal
yoga are often only found in yoga studios.
Q.
I have a bad back (too stiff, too weak, too inflexible, too painful).
Can I still do yoga?
A.
Yes. Many studios (including The Bo Tree) offer a special yoga class for
back care, with an emphasis on core strength. Many chiropractors recommend
yoga.
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