7/29/2010

 

A few things you should know to enhance your learning and practice of Yoga at TBY.

Please be on time. Arriving a few minutes early to class gives you the opportunity to meditate or stretch and prepare yourself for your class. Speak softly out of respect to those in the studio. If you arrive late, please wait to quietly enter the studio until after opening meditation with as little disruption as possible.

Please sign in to class every time. Please make this a part of your practice. Add your name to appropriate class to ensure that we get an accurate count of all students. This is how your teacher is paid.

Please remove your shoes before class as a way of respecting the ancient tradition of Yoga and to provide a clean environment in which to practice. Please leave your shoes in the stuff room in a cubby. We practice in bare feet.

Inform your teacher about any injuries before class beings. This is the best way for the teacher to know how to adjust you and give modifications.

Practice on an empty stomach. We recommend that you refrain from eating heavy foods 2 hours before class time.

Cleanliness is divine. Respect your body temple and those around you. Also, refrain from wearing heavy perfumes to class.

Please leave ALL Cell Phones and Pagers outside the studio.

Let go of the competitive mindset. Yoga is non-competitive. No experience or flexibility are required to practice Yoga. Yoga is for everyone.

Yoga is so much more than the poses we do. It is a process of understanding and respecting yourself & those around you...fellow students and teachers alike. It is the cultivation of humility and generosity.

We offer easy purchase of mats, eye pillows & more!

 

Frequently Asked Questions From New Students:

1. If I am new to yoga which class would you recommend?
   Join us in classes titled yoga "Basics" if you have recent injuries or currently do not have a regular exercise routine. Here you will learn breath and body awareness, optimal posture and body mechanics. We will focus on correct positioning of 54 basic yoga postures. No reservations or pre-registration required to attend. Use your class pack card anytime. Join us in classes titled "Level 1" if you are a healthy beginner, which means new to yoga but not new to exercise. No reservations or pre-registration required to attend. Use your class pack card anytime. First class is FREE.
   
   
2. I don't understand what you mean by FREE.  Is it really free?
   Yes your First class is FREE. In addition you receive 20% OFF your first class package if purchased same day as your free class.
   
   
3. Not sure you'll like yoga but want to try it?
   Then join us for regular scheduled classes or our Introduction to Yoga Workshop, offered 8-10 times per year, this workshop is designed for Beginners who want a quick overview. Registration is required by calling 847-772-9642 or email info@totalbodyyoga.com. Cost is $30.00
   
   Introduction to Yoga Workshop: This workshop offers new students a solid basic foundation of poses, breathing techniques, guided relaxation and yoga history and philosophy. Through an easy does it step-by-step approach you will learn fundamental yoga poses with a focus on proper alignment. You will receive comprehensive handouts for each of these elements of the workshop. *Limit 8 students. See Special Events page.
   
   
4. Which Class Package is for me?
   Our class packages have an expiration date of 12 months. If you are looking for dramatic changes in the way you feel and the way you look regular practice of 3 or more time per week is necessary. Yoga is a practice, the more you practice the more you learn, the better you feel.
   
   In the course of 12 months....
   10 pack means you are making a commitment of almost 1 time per month in a year.
   
20 pack means you are making a commitment of less than 2 times per month in a year (52 weeks per year).
30 pack means you are making a commitment of 2.5 times per month.

If you attend 3-4 or more times per week the most economical package is unlimited yoga.

Is Monthly Unlimited Right For Me?
1 Month means you are making a commitment of 3-4 times per week
3 Months means you are making a commitment of 4-5 times per week
6 Months means you are making a commitment of 5+ times per week


5. What is Yoga?
   The word YOGA means "union" in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. Yoga is rooted in the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind; and, you can experience the mind/body connection using the breath as a bridge. Through exploring and cultivating this connection, harmony and union is created in ourselves and with the world around us.
   
   In essence, it works like this: stress and tension cause the body to tighten-up, it has the same effect on the body as aging. Tension literally blocks off the energy flow. In yoga, you use the poses and the breath to learn to open every constricted area of the body and mind. This helps to release and erase tension that would otherwise accumulate and eventually be experienced as discomfort and ultimately disease. As the body relaxes and opens, the mind also becomes calm and less busy.



6. What's the best way to practice yoga?
   A daily practice routine is best but given the "busy-ness" in our lives, this seems almost impossible for most of us. Try to practice according to how you feel, perhaps this means a little each day or longer practices three times a week; determine the routine that works best for you, whether you practice at home, in a class, or in a combination of the two. In order to create a home practice, set aside the same time every day so you will develop a habit of practicing, just like the daily habit of brushing your teeth. Practice at a time that fits into your life. Some people like early mornings before work, others prefer first thing on returning home at the end of the day. Others like the mid-morning quiet time when children have left for school.



7. I'm not very flexible, can I do yoga?
   Yes, in fact, you are exactly who should be doing yoga. Yoga is for everyone! You just need to know where your limits are and have patience with yourself. Some people are naturally more flexible whereas others require daily practice. Also, yoga is much more than just flexibility. It addresses strength, stamina, and concentration, helps reduce stress, improves circulation, and is a lot of fun too!



8. Does yoga help relieve stress?
   Yes, yoga is one of the best ways to reduce the stress in your life. Yoga teaches you to relax and focus within your practice. With a little time this discipline becomes a part of your everyday life. People will begin asking you how you remain so calm in such a stressful world.



9. What are the benefits of yoga?
   The sincere practice of Yoga postures benefits all levels of experience: From the restoration of balance, flexibility, poise, health and well being to the body, to the cultivation of mental equanimity, emotional balance, and inner strength.
   
   On a physical level Yoga postures stimulate the glands, organs, muscles and nerves in ways that traditional exercise cannot. Muscle tightness and strain is quickly relieved and both circulation and digestion improves. Stress-related symptoms like poor sleep, fatigue, muscle spasms, anxiety, and indigestion are greatly improved. Yoga postures can have a profound effect on the inner dimensions of life, establishing deep calm, concentration, emotional stability and confidence. Through regular yoga practice, total body yoga will provide members with overall, "total body" wellness including:
   
   • Reduced stress, one of people's biggest concerns today
   • Improved sleep and energy levels
   • Increased range of motion and flexibility
   • Memory improves
   • Lowered blood pressure
   • Better body tone
   • Increased strength and endurance
   • Improved balance and steadiness
   • Improved digestion
   • Natural weight loss
   • Lower blood pressure
   • Anxiety and depression decrease
   • Cardiovascular efficiency increases
   • Relaxed and clear mind
   • Increased agility
   • Improved coordination
   • Improved posture
   • Increased body awareness
   • Mental relaxation
   • Strengthened immune system
   • Concentration improves



10. I am a first time student, how do I prepare for class?
    Before Yoga

• Be sure that you wear comfortable clothing that will not get in the way of stretching. Blue jeans are definitely out.
• Do not eat for at least two to three hours before your class or scheduled practice; some students prefer to wait even longer.
  
  During Yoga
  The most important thing to remember during a practice, whether in class or at home, is that practicing is an exploration. Each pose is an experiment. Go slowly and listen to your body. Learn to determine whether you are pushing yourself too hard or lightly challenging yourself to try a little more. And remember to breathe. When you are breathing in harmony with your movements, you are paying attention in a deep way. Paying attention not only prevents injury but also is at the heart of what yoga is all about.
  
  After Yoga
  After the relaxation pose at the end of your session, note how you feel. If there is a feeling of lightness and equanimity in your body and nervous system, you are on the right track. Remember that yoga is not about touching your toes, but what you learn about yourself on the way down to touch your toes. Compassionate discipline is the key.