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FAQs
- Why is the room heated?
A warmer room helps encourage your muscles to move more fluidly during the practice, and helps to prevent injuries. The temperature also helps the body metabolize fat and helps eliminate toxins from the system.
- What if I’m not flexible?
Yoga is about learning how to stretch and gain flexibility. No matter what your ability or experience level is with yoga, you will benefit greatly from the practice.
- Can I lose weight?
Each posture combines flexibility, strength, and balance to challenge the body. With practice, the body becomes leaner, firmer, and stronger.
- What other benefits are there?
Stress reduction, healing injuries, improved concentration, pain relief, improved self esteem, decreased symptoms, improved stamina
- Do I need a mat?
Many yoga classes rent mats, but most students buy their own. Mats come in a variety of colors and styles and are available in most sporting goods stores and discount chains. They can even be found in Whole Foods and Barnes & Noble. The cost is usually $15 to $20.
A yoga mat should be fairly thin so as not to hinder you during postures that require balance; some teachers also recommend a slight texture for a better toe grip.
To keep them hygienic, wash your mat. Most can be placed alone in the washer with a small amount of soap, and air-dried. A hearty wipe-down with some disinfectant is a quick short-term solution.
- What type of yoga is right for me?
Most studios and gyms describe their classes' skill levels, but some classes have fancy names that can lead to confusion.
- Hatha yoga is what most Americans associate with yoga. It's a series of basic poses that improve flexibility and offer deep-breathing exercises.
- In Bikram yoga, the postures are done in a set series while the room is heated to about 105 degrees. The heat improves flexibility as you practice.
- Classes that include the words "power" or "flow" are likely to be more vigorous.
When in doubt about the class you should take, ask the instructor. But most instructors stress that yoga isn't a competition and that ultimately you set your own pace.
- What do I wear?
Yoga is best performed in bare feet to give you optimal balance and keep you grounded. With all that bending and stretching, loose-fitting clothes like sweat pants are best. Also, if you're attending a hot yoga class, dress for the increased temperature and know that your clothes are likely to be drenched by the end of class.
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