What is Yoga?
Yoga will introduce your body to new ways of moving, through lengthening, breathing, and gentle forward, backward, twisting, and side-to-side motions. Deep, full breathing is used in partnership with the postures (called asanas) resulting in the body coming into alignment and balance.

Yoga is a very personal practice of breathing, stretching, moving into postures, and experiencing the sensations that result. Yoga is practiced by people of all faiths and has no specific religious teachings. Overall, yoga is about bringing balance to your life.

How can yoga help me?
Yoga can provide many benefits: decreased stress levels, increased flexibility and strength, improved breathing, and an overall sense of well-being.

I am not flexible at all, can I still do yoga?
Yes. Yoga is not about putting your foot behind your head, or even about touching your toes. The important thing is to accept where you are at, and to work from that point forward. Over time your body will respond with an increase in flexibility, and freedom of movement. The important point is to have respect and compassion for where your body is at, and not to push yourself before your body is ready.

Can yoga help with the pain in my back, (or neck, shoulders, hips...)?
As our muscles relax and stretch out, and we let go of stress, the body often will realign itself. As a result pain in specific body parts (e.g., neck, shoulders, back, etc.) can disappear, or be greatly reduced.

What are the different types of yoga, and which class is right for me?
There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from the gentle (Kripalu) to the more vigorous (Ashtanga). (Although, Kripalu can also be practiced in a more physically demanding style.) We offer both Kripalu and Ashtanga-based classes, and in addition we other classes in Somatics - which concentrates on movement re-education within the body, and produces very positive results in terms of alleviating specific body problems and areas of concern. We also offer classes in Pilates, Kids Yoga, and Yoga for Teenagers. For a listing of all of our classes please see Class Descriptions.

Why can't I just learn yoga by watching a video?
There are many good videos out there (see www.kripalu.org for some excellent video tapes), but there are also many that are not so good. The main concern that we see for beginners is that you can't ask the video a question. You can't say, "I'm not quite sure how I should do this posture", or "I had a knee operation two years ago, should I even do this posture?" Also, if you select a video that is more vigorous (e.g., Ashtanga) then you may well increase your risk of injury - as these videos often show a posture in its full form, without any alternative positioning.

With a video you are usually looking up at the TV to see what the teacher is doing, and this in itself prevents you from entering the posture correctly. Finally, there is an energy that comes from the class setting, where you are with other students. A video simply doesn't give you that.

Videos do have their place, but we don't feel that they are appropriate for those just starting out with yoga.

Can I come and try out a class to see if I like it? Can I bring a friend along?
Of course. We encourage perspective students to come try out a class and see if it is what they are looking for. Also, if you have a friend who is also interested then bring them along. There is no charge for this "sample" class, all that we ask is that you call and let us know which class you would like to attend.

What about your teachers - what are their qualifications?
We are very strict about teacher qualifications. All of our teachers have completed standardized formal trainings (200 hours minimum) that are recognized by all of the major national yoga associations. In addition, our teachers continue to take classes in specific areas of interest to deepen their knowledge, and improve their teaching techniques.

Is there anything that I should know before I come take my first class?
It is best not to eat for at least two hours before a class. Also, try to make sure that you drink plenty of water before class.

What should I wear, or bring, to my first class?
Wear comfortable fitting "active wear" clothing that you can move freely in. You may want to wear a t-shirt and a sweatshirt (or similar heavier outer layer). Then if you become too warm you can remove the top layer. Also, it is a good idea to bring along a water bottle. (Although, we often have free bottled water available in case you forget yours.) Finally, you may want to bring along a towel.

We supply the yoga mats, and any props that will used in class. (We do not charge a rental fee for mats.)

Do you have a one-time "Registration Fee" when a student signs up?
No.

Should I practice between classes?
It will make a big difference if you can find a way to do some form of yoga each day; or as many days each week as possible. You really don't have to spend that much time practicing - even 10-15 minutes will help. Also, you can practice breathing techniques almost anywhere - and that, too, will make a big difference in your overall experience. If you have any questions on how to start a home program just ask your teacher and they will help you come up with a routine that best fits your needs.

What if I miss a class?
We have a very liberal make-up policy for missed classes. You may take any other standard class that we offer as a make-up, as long as it is an appropriate class for your ability. If you have questions on what class might make a suitable make-up, your teacher can help direct you to the right class.

Policies
Full payment for a session is due five days before the first class.

Your space in a class is reserved when full payment is received.

We will only pro-rate for one of the following reasons:

A new student joins a class after the session has started.
An existing student has a medical, or personal, emergency that prohibits them from attending class at the beginning of the session.
We will not pro-rate a session, for new, or existing students, because of vacations, work conflicts, or personal scheduling issues.
$15 per drop-in class if you are an enrolled student attending an additional class (please call first)

$17 per class for visitors (please call first)

Missed classes may be made up by attending a different class within the same session for which you are registered on a space-available basis. After the session is over missed classes are non-refundable.

It is a student's responsibility to inform the instructor if there is a change in their health status.

Fragrances
Please refrain from wearing any fragrances (perfumes, colognes, etc.).

Cancellations Due To Bad Weather
If Amherst Public Schools are delayed or closed due to bad weather, please call our answering machine at 603-673-7661 for a message on class status.