Frequently Asked Questions

... ABOUT YOGA:

1. What is yoga? Where did it come from? Do I have to practice a certain religion to practice yoga?
Yoga (the word means "union") is a system of physical and mental disciplines that originated in India through one of the six schools of Hinduism, with the ultimate goal of bringing its practitioners to a state of perfect health, freeing them from the concerns of the body to focus on the true nature of the spirit and its connection with the whole. While its roots are in Eastern religion, yoga is a system of self-care that can be practiced by anyone of any or no religion.

2. What are the benefits of yoga?
Here is a short but by no means complete list:
* Spinal health: You often hear that you're only as healthy as your spine, which is the foundation of your entire body. As we age, we lose the ability to move our spine fully through its six ranges of motion as our connective tissue contracts and dries out. Yoga can counteract this process, keeping your spine supple.
* Stress relief: Stress is an often overlooked cause of physical and mental disease.
* Strong muscles.
* Better lung efficiency and capacity from pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), similar to the effects of aerobic exercise.
* Relief from pain and general stiffness (such as in the lower back).
* Better range of motion and flexibility.
* More restful sleep if insomnia is a problem, and more energy if inertia is a problem.
* Balanced glandular function.
* Stimulation of the lymph system to help the body rid itself of wastes. Lymph has no heart to pump it, so the asanas (physical postures) help to move it.
* Better mental focus.
* Lower blood pressure and better heart health.
* Healthier skin tone through increased circulation.
* Increased ability to deal rationally with problems through a calmer and more clear mind.
* Symmetry between the left and right sides of the body.
* Better sense of balance, which naturally declines after age 40.
* Increased agility.
* Relief from depression.
* More effective and balanced metabolism.
* Healthier joints and bones through weight-bearing exercise, without the compaction and stress of impact activities.
* Better digestion through massage of the internal organs by various asanas and pranayama.
* Stronger immune system.
* Improved attitude and emotional well-being.

3. What are the different styles of yoga?
There are many types of yoga, but most of the styles you'll see in a yoga class (with the exception of kundalini yoga) fall under the umbrella of hatha yoga, or the yoga of physical postures. Hatha yoga classes are further divided into many different schools, including the following:
Ashtanga yoga: Very vigorous, fast-paced style according to the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Anusara yoga: Alignment-based, expressive practice created by John Friend
Iyengar yoga: Precise and alignment-based according to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar
Vinyasa or "power" yoga: Vigorous, faster-paced style based on ashtanga yoga
Viniyoga: Therapeutic style based on the teachings of Desikachar
Kundalini: Based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan: for more on kundalini yoga, click here.
Kripalu: Alignment-based; focus on prana and self-acceptance; from Kripalu Center

4. I've never practiced yoga. With what style or class should I start, and what should I expect?
Look for a class labeled "Level 1," "gentle," "introduction," or "fundamentals." An introductory class will introduce you to the basic tenets of yoga: asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing), and meditation.

5. I have been referred by a doctor to practice yoga to help a certain health condition. What type of yoga should I look for?
A gentle class or a class labeled "yoga therapy" would be the place to start; however, do talk to the instructor ahead of time to find out whether the class is a good fit for you. You may also want to start with one or more private lessons that RFY can arrange.

6. I'm not flexible. Can I walk into a yoga class without being flexible?
Flexibility is not a prerequisite for practicing yoga. No matter what your age or condition, there is a style of yoga that is appropriate for you. Come as you are! Flexibility will naturally develop with a regular yoga practice, although flexibility is a byproduct of the freeing nature of the practice and not its main goal.

7. I'm interested in getting a good workout--can yoga practice count as exercise as well, or do I need to lift weights and go to the gym?
If you practice a more vigorous style of yoga regularly, you're likely to find it more than meets your needs. If this is your goal, look for a class labeled "ashtanga," "vinyasa," or "power." Also, other yoga styles frequently incorporate sun salutations, which provide a vigorous and full-body workout. Ask your teacher about more vigorous sequences.

8. Can yoga help me manage stress?
Yes. Studies have shown that a regular yoga practice can help reduce the physical effects of stress. We often store stress in our muscles, nervous system, and other tissues. Deep yogic breathing activates the body's inherent relaxation response to relieve stress and release muscular and mental tension. The physical postures, or asanas, can also reduce muscle tension.

9. Why is there chanting in some yoga classes? Do I have to chant?
Not all our classes have chanting, but some do. The chants are mantras spoken in Sanskrit, and are used to focus the mind inward to create a better connection with yourself. Chanting is a positive, verbal, and encouraging method to help break through and clear up aspects of yourself that may be covered up. Chanting is optional, though many hesitant beginners soon give into the uplifting moment that also helps bring people together in a class.

10. How many times a week should I practice yoga?
Start with twice a week, including at least one class with a teacher. Initially, do what you can and don't allow time constraints to be an obstacle. You will likely find after awhile that your desire to practice naturally increases because you feel better.



...ABOUT YOGA CLASSES:

1. What should I eat or drink before or after yoga class?
It's best to allow 3-4 hours after eating a large meal, or 1-2 hours after eating a snack, before practicing. While you're digesting food, your body's energy and blood flow is directed to your stomach, which can interfere with your practice. A full belly can also cause some discomfort in some postures. Hydrate thoroughly before and after a class, but it's best not to drink water during class unless you have a medical reason to do so.

2. Do I need to bring my own mat to class? What else should I bring?
All you need to bring is appropriate clothing. We have mats you can use, although we recommend you eventually invest in your own mat. The studio provides all other props. Yoga can truly be practiced anywhere, with very little equipment!

3. What clothing should I wear?
Wear modest, fitted garments that allow for movement. It can also be helpful to wear layers so that you can pare down when you start to build heat during a practice. Make sure that your clothing stays in place in all positions: avoid baggy shorts and T-shirts, and anything that can gape, fall down, or ride up. Practice in bare feet to avoid slipping.

4. What if I have to leave a class early?
If you expect to have to leave early (or arrive late), please notify the teacher ahead of time. Then, place your mat close to the door and leave as quickly and as quietly as possible, and before the final relaxation (shavasana) or meditation.

5. Are there any other etiquette guidelines?
The etiquette for yoga classes is a bit different from other group classes. In addition to dressing appropriately and arriving on time, all other etiquette guidelines can be summed up in respecting the others present:
* Please practice good hygiene and avoid using heavily scented products.
* Please arrive on time. Occasional lateness is understandable, but arriving late disrupts the class and does not allow you to warm up properly.
* During class, it is appropriate to ask the teacher questions but please avoid unnecessary conversation or comments. Yoga classes require a focused and quiet environment.
* Follow the teacher's instructions. It is always acceptable to modify or leave out a posture, but doing your own side practice is disrespectful to the teacher and distracting to the class.
* Take responsibility for your own well-being. Don't push yourself too hard or compare yourself with others. Yoga is a personal practice, not a sport. Know your own limits and be patient -- every stage of your development is valuable.

... ABOUT THE STUDIO:

1. What is your pay-as-you-can policy?
Money should not prevent you from coming. If you cannot afford to pay the studio's class rate, please talk to your teacher, or pay what you are able to.

2. What are the benefts of membership?
Rainforest membership is $25 a year and allows you to receive discounts on workshops and coupon booklets for classes. This money also supports our nonprofit mission, allowing us to provide scholarships and workshops.

3. When and how do I pay for a class?
There is a little wooden bowl by the front door where you can place your coupons, cash, or checks. Please make out checks to the individual teachers. It's fine to pay before or after class. If you need to make other arrangements, please talk to the instructor.

4. How do I buy a discount coupon book?
Talk to your teacher before or after class. Coupon books are only available for purchase by members, and will save you $2 per class. There are separate coupon books for 1-hour and 1.5-hour classes.

5. Does the studio have drinking water?
No. Please bring your own bottle for water.

6. Does the studio have a place to change clothes?
We have a private bathroom for changing, and cubbies to store your belongings during class.

7. I am sensitive to perfumes and colognes. Does the studio have a policy about these?
Healthy air is important to us. We do not allow any incense or candles to be burned in the studio, and we ask that students refrain from wearing heavy perfumes, as a courtesy to other students.

8. Can I arrange private classes with a teacher?
Many of our teachers will arrange private lessons. Please contact the studio (or an individual teacher) to discuss arrangements.