Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the most difficult part of yoga?
A. Rolling out the mat! Motivating yourself to do any physical activity is always the most difficult part!

Q. Who takes Yoga? Is it right for me?
A. People of all ages and abilities can take a yoga class. Yoga is not a competitive sport. It is done slowly and deliberately, paying attention to your own body and how it feels. Modifications of poses are taught to meet your own individual needs, abilities and limitations. You don't do any poses that cause you pain, but you challenge your body to become more flexible and stronger. You don't need to be an athlete or athletic to take a yoga class. You will become more in tune with your body with each class you take.

Q. What happens in a typical hour-long class?
A. The practice of yoga begins with a 5 minute transition period where the focus is on the breath and quieting the mind. This is followed by 45 minutes of practicing the postures or asanas. The class ends with 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation.

Q. Will I hurt myself doing yoga?
A. Yoga is done slowly and deliberately, listening to the body and its limits. Although you may feel some soreness in muscles you have not used before, you will not hurt yourself practicing yoga.

Q. What should I do after taking a yoga class?
A. Drink plenty of water and take a hot shower to relax the muscles, especially if you practice in the evening and are going to bed afterwards. If you experience any muscle soreness the next day, do some light stretching.

Q. When is the best time to practice yoga?
A. Yoga can be done at any time, but it is especially nice to begin or end your day with yoga practice.

Q. How often should I practice yoga?
A. Yoga practice can be done daily. The more you practice, the more you benefit from it. If you can only practice once a week, that is still enough to reap the benefits.

Q. Can I practice on my own?
A. Yes, most yoga postures are easy to understand and can be done on your own to supplement the time you spend with an instructor.

Q. In what kind of environment should I practice yoga?
A. A quiet environment, with soft lighting, preferably with a hardwood floor. Some people like to have quiet music playing.

Q. Which style of yoga is right for me?
A. It is a good idea to try many styles of Hatha yoga to get a sense of what you find most enjoyable and what challenges your body the most. That is why the Circle of Stones Yoga Studio offers both styles: Ashtanga and Iyengar.