Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Yoga?

Yoga practices increase concentration and mental clarity, promote physical health and control the stress response. Hatha yoga focuses on body postures and relaxation training. Meditation emphasizes concentration and awareness. Pranayama is the study and control of the breath. There are various branches of yoga practice. All the techniques complement one another. Recently my fitness center, my church, the "Y" have all added yoga classes to their programs, and my friends are all learning yoga with names like: Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Pilates, etc.

How can I choose a type of yoga that's best for me?

Those of us who have been practicing and teaching yoga for decades have been very excited to see all the new "name brands" of yoga springing up in the USA.
However, a word of caution is appropiate: The simplicity and elegance of yoga makes the practice inviting to persons of all skill levels. To realize the benefits of practice, to progress safely into more difficult techniques, and to avoid injury, it is vital to learn from qualified teachers. When you seek help for other professionals such as doctors, therapists, and lawyers wouldn't you expect them the meet some accepted standard of practice?

How do I know if my instructor is qualified to teach yoga?

A competent yoga teacher will have at least two years of regular personal yoga practice prior to applying for teacher training. They should have a broad exposure to the various branches of yoga (especially meditation) and they should have training in at least one style of hatha yoga. Their certification should include a minimum of 200 hours training followed by supervised teaching practice. These are the currently accepted national standards.
Experienced yoga teachers know how to transmit the theraputic effects of practice and teach with ease, grace, and safety. Founded in 1979, The Yoga Studio is one of the oldest independent teaching centers. The director, Dr. Lakshyan Schanzer, has been teaching since 1971; his wife, Marilena Kali, began teaching in 1990.

Is Yoga a form of physical conditioning? Will I have to sit cross-legged and be able perform those 'pretzel' poses I see in the magazines?

Certainly not! Everyone can benefit from yoga practice. The reason why yoga has such a theraputic effect is the very reason why yoga differs from physical conditioning. In physical conditioning your goal is to improve or create a condition that you don't have in the first place. Yet authentic yoga is different. To quote one famous guru:
"No change can be made in you.
No instruction whatsoever can be given to you.
You were perfect even before you came here.
And you will be returning absolutely perfect, without even a dent on you."
- Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
This statement means that Yoga is really about 'de-conditioning'. Proper practice results in a restoration of yourself - back to you natural more original sense of being. In every program at our studio you are encouraged to discover and work with your own limits without strain. Regular practice of yoga with this attitude will increase your flexibility and improve your general well-being.
Right now we are beginning to see how hatha yoga practice is influencing many other disciplines, such as dance, gymnastics, and even circus acrobatics. While rigorous hatha yoga postures might aid in the highest level of physical conditioning, yoga is never about going to extremes. We strongly discourage you from learning yoga from teachers expecting you to be a gymnast, acrobat or contortionist.

What is the difference between a yoga studio and a health club?

An authentic yoga studio is not a health club. The Yoga Studio cultivates an atmosphere of peace and healing, non-competition, and friendship. A health club or gym usually focuses on physical culture (form and fitness), and instruction lacks respect and understanding for the the healing power of meditation or relaxation. Health clubs frequently employ instructors without any experience, training, or certification in yoga. Authentic yoga classes will include more than posture practice. Each session will have at least 15 minutes of breathing practices, relaxation, or meditation. Ahimsa or non-violence, one of the fundamental ingredients that makes practice 'yogic', is honored. Special attention is given to each student's capacity. Instruction is not 'one-size fits all'. If there are more than 20 students in a class, additional expert assistants are hired. A competent instructor will be interested in you and modify practices for you if you are under special medical treatment, and your doctor has advised you of any restrictions.

Is Yoga a Religion or Cult?

No. Yoga, which means "union," implies harmony of mind, body, and spirit. This state is familiar, natural, and accessible to all. Learning from a teacher with extensive experience in yoga practice and instruction is most useful. However, personal commitment to a group, or teacher, or particular belief system is not necessary. For centuries traditional yoga practitioners have made extraordinary claims of benefits. Science has verified some of these claims (especially the relaxation effects of yoga practices) and much remains to be researched.

Will Yoga make me healthy?

Simply stated: YES! Fundamentaly you are already healthy. Yoga practices are aimed at returning you to your natural state. Yoga will aid whatever other health oriented techniques you have been advised to use, even if you need to practice a modified form of yoga. Yoga has been found to aid in many aspects of health, including: cardiovascular health, sleep, chronic pain or illness, dietary reform, and overall physical conditioning (to mention just a few areas). However, it is important to understand that unless your yoga teacher has been certified in psychology, medicine, physical fitness, physical therapy, nutrition, chiropractic, or any other professional healing art, they are not professionally trained to give you advice in areas outside of their yoga training.