Yoga FAQ

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline developed in India with roots going back about 5,000 years. The direct translation of the Sanskrit word "yoga" is "to yoke"-or create union. Traditionally the goal of yoga is to create union with the true self, though many schools in the U.S. tend to focus on the physical union between breath, body, and movement. These days, and most especially in the U.S., the focus is often on improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility. Practitioners may chose to focus only on the physical, the psychological, the spiritual, or all of the above.

What is Vinyasa Flow?
Hatha yoga is a general term for the physical side of yoga, i.e.: doing postures. Vinyasa is a style of hatha yoga, and is literally translated as "to place in a special way". In the Vinyasa flow style of yoga the movement between postures is deliberate, and flowing from one posture to the next. There is a balanced focus on building strength and flexibility, so classes can often be quite challenging and/or vigorous- though can always be modified for a variety of practitioners.

What is Ujjayi Breathing?
Ujjayi is a breathing technique that makes a continuous whispering sound in the throat. The throat is slightly constricted which reduces the volume of air that passes though the pharynx, thereby increasing the velocity. Ujjayi breathing allows approximately. 8 times more oxygen into the body than the average persons normal breath. Oxygen flushes out environmental toxins or debris from prior injury, such as scar tissue, and carries nutrients in. Oxygen-rich blood also creates healthy blood cells and cellular regeneration and in turn nourishes all of our vital organs. Practicing this technique also generates internal heat and the sound gives the mind and the ears something to focus on. It is our constant reminder to breathe, to energize and cleanse the body in every moment, to be present.

It is essential that you learn and practice this breathing technique. If you are unclear in how to practice Ujjayi breathing- please request more detail from any Yoga Centered instructor.

Why build heat and/or heat the room?
Incorporating heat into your yoga practice is beneficial for many reasons. When the body warms, tight, blocked, or injured spaces become loose and more pliable for reshaping. The practitioner is able to go deeper into each posture more safely and effectively. Circulation pathways begin to re-open and the oxygen from Ujjayi breathing can move more deeply throughout the body. The combination of a heated room and Ujjayi creates a mentally and physically transformational yoga experience. At Yoga Centered, we heat the room mildly between 80-90 degrees.

Uddiyana Bandha & Mula Bandha? What?
Please read the information posted on our bulletin board.

What does Namaste mean?
The following is my favorite translation: Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit understanding. "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Trust, of Light, and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One." -Unknown

How often should I practice yoga- and can I practice every day?
Any yoga is better than no yoga and a little bit everyday is better than a lot every once in a while. To see and/or feel significant physical and mental changes, however, you should practice for 1-1.5 hours AT LEAST three times/week. Because yoga does not break down the muscle tissue as happens in other fitness activities such as weight-lifting or running, it is not necessary to take a day off from practice. You can practice everyday, as long as you feel healthy. You should be conscious of modifying your practice when needed due to energy level and/or physical fatigue.

Is yoga spiritual or religious?
At Yoga Centered students are given the space to make that choice for themselves. Most of our classes focus on the physical aspects of breathing and moving through yoga postures. However, we hope to provide the freedom and the space for the more personal or spiritual aspects of yoga to unfold naturally on an individual level. Our bodies hold on to every physical and emotional experience we've had throughout our lives and they can physically create blocks and barriers that are reflected on non-physical levels. As we work through these barriers physically, using heat, movement and breath to internally open, reshape and cleanse the body, it makes sense that we are doing the same on many levels- emotionally, spiritually, etc. We encourage you to recognize your yoga practice a way of life. As you practice patience, acceptance, awareness, as your mind and body opens and releases physical and emotional tensions, as you become more in-tune and aware of your physical and emotional reactions in challenging postures, allow what you learn, these effects/elements and practices to be a part of your entire life - with strangers, friends, family, partners and yourself.

I'm not flexible...can I do yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.