Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What is yoga?
2.     What style of yoga do you teach and practice?
3.   How long have you been teaching and practicing yoga?
4.   I have injuries, can I still do yoga?
5.   I'm pregnant, can I still practice yoga?
6.   I'm not flexible, can I still do yoga?
7.   Ideally, how many days a week should I take classes?
8.   Why can't I eat up to two to three hours before class?
9.   Where can I find more information about yoga.

1. What is yoga?
The word yoga means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted in western cultures as “union”. Yoga (or Asana) is part of a eight fold path introduced by an Indian sage called Patanjali in a works called the Yoga Sutra's (estimated over 2000 years ago).  The Sutra is referred to as a guide book for what is practiced today. Translated further, most of the yoga practiced today is from the third limb of the eight fold path - Asana. Asana is a program of physical postures designed to purify and strengthen the body.

2. What style of yoga do you teach and practice?
I practice a vinyasa style yoga (similar to Ashtanga). Vinyasa is sometimes called flow yoga because of the smooth (almost dance) way that the poses run together. The breath is the most important part of the sequence as your movements should be connected with your breath (inhale or exhale). The teacher normally puts the flow or sequence together and it changes often allowing each class to be customised.  This is an ideal class for someone who likes it fast paced (cardio / strength workout). Vinyasa literally translates from Sanskrit to mean "connection,".

3. How long have you been teaching and practicing yoga?
I will always be a student of yoga, no matter what! In fact, all the best teachers are and always will be students of yoga first. I have been practicing yoga for about 15 years throughout the USA and New Zealand. It wasn't until 2015 that I officially received my RYS - 200hr accreditation and teacher training.

4. I have injuries, can I still do yoga?
In general, yes, but it depends on what type of injuries. It's always best to get a doctors opinion. However, if in doubt please talk to your yoga instructor before class and always listen to your body. 

5. I'm pregnant, can I still practice yoga? 
Yes as a general statement with some pose modifications and a climate controlled room. Always remember to check in with the instructor before class begins to inform her/her. Most importantly, it's always best to check with your doctor first.

6. I'm not flexible, can I still do yoga?
Of course, you are a perfect candidate for yoga. It's a common misconception that one needs to be super flexible to practice yoga. Yoga is a journey, not a destination - this is an important fact to remember. Everyone has to start somewhere.

7. Ideally, how many days a week should I take classes?
This depends on who you ask and what you are trying to achieve from a yoga practice. My immediate answer is at least 6 days a week for at least 1 hour. However, you will receive full and many benefits if you only practice 1 day a week for 1 hour.

8. Why can't I eat up to two to three hours before class?
In yoga class, we twist, turn, bend, invert upside down, etc.... so if your meal is not completely digested, well you know what could happen. That being said, every body (digestive system) is different, so if you must eat, try snacking on fruit, nuts or vegetables up to an hour before class.

9. Where can I find more information about yoga? 
In today's world, the internet is full of information that is sometimes contradictory to each other. My favourite site and the most replicable one for yoga information is Yoga Journal.