Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not very flexible. Should I start stretching
before taking a yoga class?
No. Getting more flexible is a good reason to start practicing yoga. You may find it frustrating at first, but you will be amazed by how quickly you gain flexibility. In fact, many teachers could not touch their toes when they started practicing!
Increasing your flexibility will help you with other sports – biking, hiking, and running, for example – as well as everyday activities, like getting out of a car and reaching that top shelf of your cupboard. You will feel great!
My doctor told me I should start doing yoga.
Is this the right kind of yoga for me?
It depends. Here at O2 Yoga, we practice a vigorous form of yoga. Many people find that with minor, or even chronic, injuries that they understand well, this form of yoga helps them to heal and to feel better. However, if you have a severe injury, you may want to try a slower or gentler form of yoga, such as Kripalu.
I've been practicing yoga at my gym,
but I don't know what kind of yoga it is.
Should I still go to Basics class? What other
classes can I try?
Trying a Basics class for your first visit is never a bad idea. In fact, many advanced students regularly take Basics classes to continue to work on fundamentals and to strengthen their practice.
However, if you have been practicing any kind of yoga at a gym or elsewhere and are comfortable with Sun Salutations, you may want to try an Intermediate or Intro to Primary Series class. If you feel very comfortable with a flowing, vigorous yoga practice, you may come to an Open class.
It is best not to come to a Primary Series class unless you have taken our Intro to Primary Series class or have previously practiced the Astanga Primary Series. Our Primary Series classes are fast-moving with less instruction than other classes; the teacher assumes that students have familiarity with the sequence and postures.
I have a new yoga mat and I hate it.
Why is it so slippery?
Almost all mats are slippery when you first use them. After you have used your mat a few times, it should feel less slippery. Try walking on it with your bare feet at home. You can also machine wash it and let it drip dry. If none of these tips help, you may have bought a cheap mat. Try buying a mat from the studio or ordering one online from Barefoot Yoga or Hugger Mugger, two well-reputed yoga products stores.
How often should I practice yoga?
As often as feels right for your body. The more often you practice, the quicker you will notice progress in your practice. However, if you are just starting out, two to three times a week will help you become familiar with the postures and the pace of the practice. Once you have been coming to class for a few months, you may want to increase your practice to four to six times a week.
What if I can only come to class once a week?
Try starting a practice at home to supplement your yoga classes. If you do not have much time, even a few Sun Salutations will make a difference in your strength and flexibility. Many wonderful yoga teachers have tapes, CDs, or DVDs that you can follow at home or when you are traveling. There are several on sale at the studio; ask an instructor for suggestions.
