what is yoga

an introduction for beginners

yoga is a science of life, developed over thousands of years. it promotes health and happiness by transforming the mind, body and spirit. yoga originated in india, and has spread all around the world. yoga is not a religion, but deals with universal truths compatible with all faiths.

the sanskrit word “yoga” means “union”. yoga is designed to unite the mind, body and breath. the yoga postures we practice today were originally designed to prepare the body to sit perfectly still for long periods of meditation. it is the experience of wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. It is acting and being in harmony with the divine.

over the years, several distinct forms of yoga have emerged, all ultimately leading to the same destination. hatha yoga is the form practiced here in the west. "ha" means "sun" and 'tha" means "moon". hatha yoga involves the ansanas (postures) and pranayama (breath). this form also include periods of relaxation and meditation. hatha yoga is very practical. the ansanas loosen the joints and stretch the muscles to improve posture and promote strength and flexibility. the exercises have a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation and stress relief. the breathing exercises boost energy, calm the nervous system, and improve the efficiency of all bodily systems. over time, yoga will make you more fit, relaxed, and promote your overall health, balance and well being.

working safely

it is important to realize that yoga is not a competitive practice. each person should work at their own level and without strain. the saying “no pain, no gain” has no relevance in yoga. if you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or nausea, you should stop and come gently out of the posture. in yoga, we work smoothly with the breath and with concentration and awareness. your instructor will give general safety guidelines for the postures, but you must take responsibility for your own safety by listening to and respecting your body, and working with your own body's needs.

general guidelines

» plan to arrive 5 minutes before scheduled class time, or 15 minutes early if it is    your first class.
» it is recommended you not practice yoga for at least two hours after you eat.
» please turn off all pagers and cell phones.
» refrain from wearing strong perfume or cologne.
» remove your shoes before entering the actual studio. storage for shoes and other    necessary personal items is provided.

 what should i wear?

wear comfortable clothing and bare feet. It is best not to wear anything too snug or loosely flowing.

what should i bring?

bring a mat; towel and water bottle optional. lotus also offers yoga mat for rental or purchase.

what if i cannot touch my toes?

flexibility of the mind is the only requirement. let us work on your body. yoga meets you where you are….even if you can’t touch your toes yet. it is important to enter into yoga without struggle, strain or ego!

why is meditation important?

meditation is an integral part of yoga. allowing yourself a space of deep tranquility and stillness is restorative. after practicing yoga, the ability to sit and meditate is greatly enhanced. don’t worry if it doesn’t come to you right away. it will.

what are the benefits of yoga?

yoga may be the world’s most perfect form of physical, mental and spiritual exercise. some of the first and most common benefits people experience are reduced stress and anxiety, increased tone, strength and flexibility, increased functioning of the immune system, reduction of blood pressure and overall enhancement of your general health.