Here’s our answers to your most common questions:
What is Power Yoga? Power yoga is a flowing yoga practice that emphasizes building strenth and flexibility as well as cultivating a peaceful mind and grounded energy. The “Power” refers to tapping into your inner power, tuning into to what inspires you and challenging yourself to exceed your expectations. People use this practice to dissolve anxiety, lose weight and keep it off; to create inner peace, and spark inspiration in their life’s work, to improve athletic performance and to just plain feel good. With dedication, and a consistent practice results are fast and enduring. We are inspired by the Baptiste methodology, for information on Baron Baptiste visit www.baronbaptiste.com.
What is Yin Yoga? Yin yoga is a gentle practice that can bring your body back into a balanced state after a week of intense activity or stress. Where the Vinyasa practice emphasizes the movement of muscles, Yin concentrates on connective tissue and tendons. These are critical to our physical well being and range of motion. Stimulation of these tissues can help produce collagen and hyoluronic acid as which helps keep the body supple. Postures are practiced on the floor and each is held for a lengthy period, usually 3-5 minutes. As a result, the body is energized, encouraging a free flow of chi. Chi is described as the “life force” of the body that often gets blocked or stagnant. This class is taught at room temperature.
Why do you warm the studio to 80 degrees for flow classes? We’ve found this to be the sweet spot when it comes to power yoga. Internal and external heat is an important aspect of the practice. Building heat internally as well as externally allows the body to relax, prevents injury, and increases blood flow, which brings oxygen to the hard to reach places faster. It also aids in detoxification and increases your metabolism. For our intermediate classes we may allow the heat to hover between 80-85.
How does that compare to other “hot” styles? Traditional Baptiste yoga is taught in a 90 degree room, Bikram which is what most would associate with hot style yoga is taught in a room that is 105 degrees.
How many times a week should I practice? As many times as you can. We recommend a minimum of 2-3 times a week. You can get benefits from as little as 1-2 times per week, however your results are connected to your efforts so the more you practice the greater the results. 3-5 times a week will give you noticeable results in a little as a couple weeks. Yoga is intended to be a daily practice and some folks even like to get a couple practices in a day. So really it’s up to you and what your goals are for your practice.
Do I need to be flexible/strong/experienced in yoga? No you do not, you can come as you are, if you can walk in the door then you can take class. In fact beginners have an advantage in that they have not created limitations for them selves or determined that they know all there is to know about yoga. With practice you will become flexible, strong and experienced.
What if I am injured? Yoga can be very healing for injuries, however you should always consult with your doctor first. If you are injured or are recovering from an injury just let the yoga instructor know before class so that they can offer modifications that will allow you to safely be in your practice.
Is yoga a religion and/or religious? Nope it is not, it is a philosophy, art and science of holistic wellbeing developed alongside Ayurvedic medicine. The yoga we teach is secular and is for people of all spiritual beliefs.We believe that spirituality is an important part of wellbeing, and we feel that it is up to each individual to determine their own spiritual practice, should they choose to have one.
What does OM mean? There are a number of different definitions for OM we think of it like a tuning fork for class, it allows everyone to come together. It is also considered a throat exercise and form of Prana yama (breath exercise)
What if I do it the “wrong” way? Our instructors are well trained to insure expert instruction and keep an eye out for any mis-alignments in the students and are quick to assist. If a pose doesn’t feel right let them know and they can provide a modification. However, it’s not about being perfect it’s about practice so it’s ok if you don’t look like the cover of yoga journal and as long as your doing your best, you get the benefits of the pose. Every body is different and there will be natural variations of the poses between yogis as well.
Can I wear socks? We don’t reccomend it as it can create issues with slipping and balance so you’re probably better leaving them with your shoes.
Anything we missed? Email us at info@getrootdown.com and we’ll answer your questions.
