Q: I’m intimidated. Will everyone in the class look like a model and have a yoga practice like you see in the magazines?
A: No! Many yoga students are relative beginners and many are absolute beginners. Everyone started as a beginner. Each class has a broad representation of ages and body types, but over time and with REGULAR practice, EVERYONE gets stronger, leaner, and healthier.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: A MINIMUM of two or three days a week is recommended. Practicing once a week is better than nothing, but greater frequency increases balance, strength, and flexibility. Make yoga a priority and the rewards will astound you!
Q: What are the benefits of yoga?
A: The many physical and psychological benefits of yoga include: increasing flexibility; increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons; massaging of ALL organs of the body; complete detoxification; excellent toning of the muscles; and a state of calm and wellbeing. Recent research also supports the assertion that yoga even reverses aspects of the aging process.
Q: Which style is right for my first class?
A: We often recommend beginners to join either a vinyasa class or a Gentle Flow class. Vinyasa is a flow-based practice that synchronizes the movement with the breath and in Gentle Flow you will do fewer postures, stay in them longer, and it helps students understand the mechanics of each posture. Please call or visit to discuss in more detail, as your first class selection can be individualized.
Q: Do you offer Hatha Yoga?
A: Yes, in fact every style we teach is considered “Hatha Yoga.” Hatha is an umbrella term that refers to the body of yogic practice that combines posture (asana), breath control (pranayama), and seals and locks (bhandas) as a means to stilling the mind.
Q: Is it OK to mix styles?
A: Absolutely! All of our styles have a common heritage and our teachers encourage you to find the right style. Many of our students will vary the style on any given day.
Q: What do I bring to class?
A: Bring something comfortable to wear, such as shorts or sweat pants and a tank top or t-shirt. Since you may be doing forward bends we recommend that shirts aren’t too loose. All classes are barefoot.
Q: How is yoga at KYC different from my gym?
A: KYC is a center dedicated to the study and practice of yoga; think of us as a university that has freshman through PhDs (mostly freshman). Our teachers are among the finest. Unlike most gyms, our physical space is luxurious, intimate, and designed exclusively for yoga. The serene environment, skilled teachers, and powerful yogic teachings make KYC the perfect place to practice. We will add, however, that you will become an important member of the community, supporting the classes, special events, and the spread of these powerful yogic teachings that are making such a positive on our community at large. It's an important contribution to our world.
The following simple guidelines will help you make the most of your yoga experience. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask us. That's why we're here.
- Firm Footing. Yoga is practiced on rubberized yoga mats.The mats provide firm footing and a gentle level of padding for your body. A small towel or yoga rug can help you to avoid slipping on your mat when you sweat.
- Honor thy self. Always practice at your own level and avoid comparing your performance to others. Yoga is so much more than the poses that we do. It is a process of understanding and respecting yourself and those around us. We ask that you please be thoughtful and considerate.
- Special circumstances. Inform your teacher of any special conditions, injuries or illness you may have. It's important to work the poses to serve your body's current conditions. If you are having difficulty in a pose please let us know. Our teachers are skilled in offering suggestions and modifications.
- Try to arrive fifteen minutes early.
Please respect our neighbors and wait quietly in the hall if the current class is not over.
- Drink plenty of water before and after class. Drinking during the practice can disturb your focus and cool the internal fires that the postures are intended to build. But, of course, take care of yourself if you really feel like you need a drink.
- Do not eat for at least two hours before class. Eating too soon before class can contribute to cramping, lethargy and nausea.
- Preserve the peace. Please visit with friends, but try to speak softly so as not to disturb others.
- Wear comfortable, stretchable, fitted, light clothing for maximum movement and flexibility. Do not wear sweat suits and do not wear loose, flowing garments. These will only get in your way. The postures require firm footing which can be best achieved with bare feet on a yoga mat.
- Fragrances. Please refrain from wearing strong cologne or perfume to class as many people have allergies.
- Bring a towel and a mat if you have them. You may also want to bring a change of clothing, especially if the weather is chilly, as you will be drenched by the end of class.
- When you go into the yoga room, bring only yourself, your mat, towel, and water. Please, do not bring in shoes or socks, keys or cell phones.
- Please make a commitment to stay in the room for its entirety. Leaving early will disturb others and it means that you will miss the most powerful part of your practice, savasana (relaxation pose).
- Children under 15 are not allowed in an adult yoga class. Children under 15 do not have the body awareness to safely execute certain postures that we do in adult classes. Also, children under 13 should not be practicing the type of breath/breathing exercises that adults will do in regular classes.
- Taking it home. Take a moment to reflect on the class, the lesson, and what you observed about your habits and tendencies. Taking yoga into your life is where you will really realize the magical benefits of your practice.
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