Questions

What is yoga?
Who can take yoga classes?
What are some of the health benefits of yoga?
What do students need to bring to class?
What is a class like at Quiet Willow Yoga Studio?
Is yoga a religion?
Is it a replacement for conventional therapy of medical disorders?
Can I take yoga even if I am not flexible?
Can beginners take a yoga class?
What is Pilates?
Can you take both Pilates and Yoga?
What is Stress Management?

Answers

What is yoga?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means joining or union. It is the root of the English word ‘yoke’. It is a system of mind and body exercises developed more than 5,000 years ago in India and was first described in writing by the Indian Yogi Patanjali who wrote that “yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distraction.”

Who can take yoga classes?
Because yoga is not a competitive sport but a system of self-knowledge, almost anyone can benefit from yoga practice. It is important to let the teacher know if you have any specific health concerns so that the physical yoga positions and breathing exercises can be modified to make them safe and more effective.

What are some of the health benefits of yoga?
Stress reduction, increased flexibility, and deep relaxation are tangible benefits. Yoga is not a cure for physical disorders, but it can be a very effective adjunct to treatment of a variety of medical conditions. But even if you are in perfect health, it is a great way to stay fit.

What do students need to bring to class?
At Quiet Willow Yoga Studio we have mats and blankets, and a variety of ‘props’ (blocks, pillows, and straps) to help you move into and hold some yoga postures. Many people prefer to bring their own mats to class, and once you know that yoga is something you want to do on a regular basis, it is a good idea to buy your own mat. You can buy mats at places like Target, Whole Foods Market, or Home Goods, or order them from online suppliers. You should wear comfortable clothes to class that allow you to stretch and bend easily. It is safest to do most yoga positions barefoot, or wearing socks with a ‘sticky’ surface so you don’t slip.

What is a class like at Quiet Willow Yoga Studio?
Class, which lasts for about 75 minutes, begins in savasana (lying on the back with eyes closed and body relaxed) for deep relaxation. It is the time in class to bring the focus inward and concentrate on the breathing. Classes may have different emphases depending on the needs of the students, but in general, a typical class follows the pattern below: From savasana, we do a series of restorative poses aimed at warming up the muscles and helping each person identify any places in the body that might need extra gentleness or work. We then move to: sun salutations, which are a series of postures that give the body a good cardiovascular workout; leg lifts and an inverted posture; forward folds and back bends; a lateral stretch for the spine such as triangle; pranayama; and we end class in savasana with a guided relaxation.

Is yoga a religion?
No, although some religions incorporate parts of yoga into their spiritual practices.

Is it a replacement for conventional therapy of medical disorders?
No. You should continue any current medication or treatment program. You may want to consult your doctor before taking yoga to see if there are any limitations on activities that you and your yoga teacher should know about.

Can I take yoga even if I am not flexible?
Absolutely! One of the beauties of yoga is that it allows you to work at your own pace and within your own limits.

Can beginners take a yoga class?
At Quiet Willow Yoga Studio we demonstrate each posture and suggest less challenging and more challenging ways to do them so that students can find their own level. The classes are deliberately kept very small so that each student gets individual attention and instruction appropriate to ‘where they are’ in yoga. There is also a stress management class that includes very gentle stretches, deep relaxation and meditation for those who prefer that approach or feel they want to ease into yoga

What is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates at the end of WWI. He originally termed it 'contrology'. It immediately gained popularity among dancers because of its emphasis on postural alignment and strengthening of the deep core muscles that girdle the waist. It is still popular because it can tone muscles and help to 'sculpt' the body quickly.

Can I take both Yoga and Pilates?
Yoga has a quality of stillness about it, while similar postures in Pilates are repeated over and over. You don't have to choose one or the other. Try both. You may find one more suited to your needs and personality or you do what many Quiet Willow Yoga Students do: enjoy the benefits of both.

What is Stress Management?
Stress management combines gentle yoga stretches and deep relaxation through meditation and guided imagery. People who are very fit enjoy it; those who have difficulty doing standing poses or more active yoga also find it very beneficial.