Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoga? The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. Yoga is a philosophical system and a physical science where we practice self understanding through physical movement, breathing, and meditation, increasing self awareness.
What if I'm not flexible? People often say they are not flexible and therefore could never do yoga. Do students know Spanish before they enroll in a Spanish class? Yoga is not about how flexible you are. It is about strengthening your body and spine in all directions. It is most important that you practice proper alignment in poses to build strength and flexibility.
How often should I practice yoga? Yoga is amazing. You will experience the benefits of practice, even if you only practice for one hour a week. Try starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only do 20-minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle–do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after awhile your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.
Is it safe to do yoga if I have an injury or medical condition? Yoga is an excellent way to support the body in its healing process. However, please consult your doctor or health care provider before beginning your practice. Be sure to let your teacher know about any injuries or health issues, so she/he can help you modify your practice as needed.
I just found out I am pregnant, should I do yoga? Yoga is a great way to support you body and the newly forming body of your child. There are some precautions however. Please talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about continuing your practice, and inform your instructor before class begins.
What does Om mean? "Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us–that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves–the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing."
~ Cindi Lee, yoga teacher and studio owner
Is Yoga a philosophy, religion or a science? One of the most frequently asked questions about yoga is whether its a philosophy, a religion, or a science? Yoga presents concepts covering all aspects of the human condition. Yoga can be a spiritual path if you want it to be, or not. Yoga is a science of the soul. Bhavani Gerard the director of the Sierra Center for Yoga Studies, a yoga school located in Rocklin, California explains,”Yoga is a holistic practice of achieving mind, body and spirit integration. Yoga is about uniting a person’s own consciousness with the universal consciousness.” Yoga also has the ability to gently rejuvenate and restore your mind and body. Yoga can free your mind from the negativity of modern life and cultivate the optimism within us all.
What if I'm not flexible? People often say they are not flexible and therefore could never do yoga. Do students know Spanish before they enroll in a Spanish class? Yoga is not about how flexible you are. It is about strengthening your body and spine in all directions. It is most important that you practice proper alignment in poses to build strength and flexibility.
How often should I practice yoga? Yoga is amazing. You will experience the benefits of practice, even if you only practice for one hour a week. Try starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only do 20-minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle–do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after awhile your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.
Is it safe to do yoga if I have an injury or medical condition? Yoga is an excellent way to support the body in its healing process. However, please consult your doctor or health care provider before beginning your practice. Be sure to let your teacher know about any injuries or health issues, so she/he can help you modify your practice as needed.
I just found out I am pregnant, should I do yoga? Yoga is a great way to support you body and the newly forming body of your child. There are some precautions however. Please talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about continuing your practice, and inform your instructor before class begins.
What does Om mean? "Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us–that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves–the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing."
~ Cindi Lee, yoga teacher and studio owner
Is Yoga a philosophy, religion or a science? One of the most frequently asked questions about yoga is whether its a philosophy, a religion, or a science? Yoga presents concepts covering all aspects of the human condition. Yoga can be a spiritual path if you want it to be, or not. Yoga is a science of the soul. Bhavani Gerard the director of the Sierra Center for Yoga Studies, a yoga school located in Rocklin, California explains,”Yoga is a holistic practice of achieving mind, body and spirit integration. Yoga is about uniting a person’s own consciousness with the universal consciousness.” Yoga also has the ability to gently rejuvenate and restore your mind and body. Yoga can free your mind from the negativity of modern life and cultivate the optimism within us all.