Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
About Yoga
Q: What is yoga?
A: The word
yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often
interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices
yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of
yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a
collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook
for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight
limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana
(postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses),
dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behavior in
the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi
(liberation, enlightenment).
Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana,
which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and
provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of
meditation.
Q: I've never done yoga
before, is it safe for the complete beginner?:
A: Yes!!
Absolutely. It is important to be gentle and allow yourself time to get
used to the process. Give yourself at least 10 classes and take it
easy; lie down when you feel like it. You are clearing toxins and
stretching like never before so it is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed
at first. Be patient and you will transform yourself.
Q: I am not flexible. Can
I still do Yoga?
A: Yes! You
are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to
be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that
you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons.
Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you
become more flexible.
This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and
enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical
confidence and overall well-being.
Q: Can yoga help me lose
weight?:
A:
Yes! Because of the rigorous nature of these classes it is an
excellent cardiovascular workout, a key element in weight loss. In
addition, the body is reshaped by burning fat and creating muscle tone.
Students who come frequently in the first 3-6 months enjoy the best
results. Try to do as many classes as possible in the first 60 days!
You will be amazed!
Q: How many times per
week should I practice?
A: Yoga is
amazing–even if you only practice for one hour a week, you
will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than
that, you will certainly experience more benefits. We suggest 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.
Q: How is yoga different
from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
A: Unlike
stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures.
Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is
just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is
unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations
of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and
breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of
inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns
without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We
become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The
awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than
a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become
much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.
Q: What do I need to
begin?
A: All you
really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit
of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of sweat pants,
leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special
footgear is required because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a
towel to class with you. As your practice develops you might want to
buy your own yoga mat, but we have mats and other props
available for you.
Q: Why are you supposed
to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?
A: In yoga
practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward
and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will
make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a
person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get
hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack
such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before
class.
Q: What does "Namaste"
mean?
A: The
gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark
within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is
an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama"
means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste
literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."
Questions
About UpDog Yoga Studio
Q: How do I get to UpDog Yoga Center?
A: We are
located at 111 #A N Jefferson St, Top Floor. The Athens Courthouse is
caddy-corner from us. We are right next door to the barber
shop.
Q: Do I have to register
before coming to a class?
A: We have
two types of classes: drop in classes and pre-registered classes.
Our drop in classes classes do not require registration. We suggest
that you come about 15 minutes early for your first time so that you
can fill out our waiver and get yourself settled, but that's it!
Our pre registered courses do require pre-registration. These courses
are courses which usually run for a 4-6 week period, and they build
upon one another, and give you more personalized instruction due to
smaller class sizes. We suggest you register 7 days in advance in order
to guarantee a space, as space is limited.
Q: What makes UpDog Yoga Center so special?
A: We are the only Hot Vinyasa yoga studio in North Alabama.
We also have the largest practice space. We
offer a wide variety of classes and class times, making all types of
yoga accessible to all people. Our location also makes UpDog Yoga
Center one of the most accessible studios around - We are right
downtown in view of the courthouse! Just come in for a class and you
will see what all the hype is about!