FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Yoga?
A: Yoga, one of six fundamental systems of Indian thought, is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “the state of being unified,” or “to direct and concentrate one’s attention.” There are eight limbs of yoga that have been outlined and continue to be practiced today: the yamas (restraint), niyamas (observances), asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb of yoga, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to improve health, purify the body and provide physical strength, stability and stamina. The practice of yoga can help maintain physical, mental and emotional health, regardless of age or present physical condition.
Q:
What is Vinyasa Yoga?
A:
Vinyasa yoga is a popular, evolving form of Hatha yoga that focuses on
integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and
flexibility, and your practice with your daily life.
Through the
practice of asanas, students learn to position and work the body in ways
that stretch and strengthen the major muscle groups. Through a steady flow
of breath, muscular effort and movement, asana practice creates a state of
inner balance that encourages attention to proper alignment, strength in
the muscle groups, and overall functioning of the inner organs. Asanas
also work the deeper postural muscles that maintain the proper working of
the joints and spine.
Vinyasa yoga
originates from the yogic teachings of Sri T. Krisnamarchya.
Krisnamarchya’s students are the founders of three of the main forms of
yoga today: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar Yoga (BKS
Iyengar), Viniyoga (T.K.V.Desikachar).
Q: What is Kripalu Yoga?
A: Kripalu Yoga is a conscious practice of physical yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques for integrating body, mind and spirit. It can be described as a "meditation in motion". The Kripalu approach to yoga incorporates awareness, self-inquiry, and attunement to prana (also known as the life force, energy or Qi) into asana practice. "As an integrated practice on and off the mat, Kripalu Yoga becomes a catalyst for physical healing, psychological and emotional development, and spiritual awakening." (www.kripalu.org)
Q: Who should practice yoga?
Anyone can
practice yoga.
Yoga offers
powerful tools for improving full-body health. It is good for people of
all ages and states of health. Men and women can practice yoga.
Flexibility is not a pre-requisite. Hatha yoga moves each individual from
his or her own starting point, through an active process of identifying
and eliminating blocks and impurities in the system, resulting in greater
self-awareness and a more balanced state of physical and mental health.
The asanas
exercise the whole body, making one increasingly fit and supple. Asanas
stretch and tone the body's muscles, joints, spine, and skeletal system,
while revitalizing the internal organs, glands and nerves. Yoga breathing
exercises (pranayama) complement the asanas, helping to revitalize the
mind, leaving one feeling calm and refreshed. Through the practice of
yoga, physical and mental tension is released, improving health in the
body, and unleashing formerly untapped reserves of energy.
For those with specific physical conditions
(i.e., high blood pressure, arthritis, scoliosis, diabetes, osteoporosis,
reduced lung capacity, overweight, etc.), yoga can provide considerable
restorative benefits as well. Ideally, the selection of asanas should be
tailored to provide maximum benefit for each individual. While one asana
might be beneficial for certain conditions, it can also be
counter-indicative for others. Therefore, it is important to recognize
your own limitations, and let the teacher know - before class - about
any special ailments or conditions you might have.
If you are pregnant and new to yoga, you
may begin with the guidance of a pre-natal yoga instructor. For
those with a regular practice you may continue to do yoga, though many
poses will require modification. It is essential that you inform your
instructor if you are pregnant before joining a class.
Q: What is the best yoga class (and
who is the best teacher) for me?
A: Read the Yoga Alliance handout Choosing the Right Yoga Class for You.
Q: Is Yoga good for stress relief?
A: Yes! Please refer to the Yoga Alliance Handout Yoga and Stress Reduction.
Q: Where are you located?
A: The Yoga Village is located at 201A
Elmwood Street, State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-321-3309
Email: info@yogavillagepa.com
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Q: What should I bring to yoga class?
A: You should bring a water bottle, a towel and an open and curious mind. If you have a yoga mat, blocks and a strap, please feel free to bring them. We do provide mats and other yoga props for use in class, but many students prefer to bring their own.
Q: Do you have locker rooms or a
change room?
A: No. We have a unisex bathroom that is available for use as a changing room if you need to come from work or elsewhere. However, if you do need to change before class, I recommend that you come early to avoid a bathroom backlog right before class begins.
Q: Do you accept credit card?
A: Yes and no. On-line credit card payments can be made for Melissa Rock's yoga classes (only). However, we do not take payment via credit card in the studio. We do accept payment in the form of cash or check. Please make checks payable to the individual class instructor.
