Do I have to be a member of Yoga Community to attend classes?

No.  You may attend any class or workshop as a drop-in client.  The fee is $15 per person for a single class, or try our new client special - $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga.

What is yoga?

Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. In the Western world, yoga is often seen only as a means to gain flexibility and reduce stress. However, the practice of yoga poses is just the tip of the iceberg.

What are its benefits?

Yoga seeks to bring an individual into balance physically, psychologically, emotionally, spirituality, and energetically. Some of its deeper benefits are to help the practitioner meets life’s challenges with strength and stability, and to guide him or her toward the fulfillment of his or her highest potential.

Where is the best place to take a yoga class?

Yoga is now offered in many environments—health clubs, senior centers, community centers, and of course, yoga studios. Most places other than yoga studios offer yoga as an Eastern version of a workout or aerobics class, or concentrate solely on the physical aspects.

If you want to experience the deeper and more profound benefits of yoga, a yoga studio is the place to go. While this is not true of every studio, a little investigation will reveal those studios that offer the greatest depth and breadth in exploring the entire spectrum of yoga. In addition, a good yoga studio will be able to assess the most appropriate course for you to follow, giving you guidance that is not available in other places that offer yoga as one of many exercise programs.

What kind of yoga should I practice?

Yoga is traditionally meant to fit the individual needs of the practitioner. Yoga classes allow you to experiment and find the style and teacher that you find most compatible. A yoga studio should be able to advise you and guide you to the most appropriate style and level of class.

How often should I attend a yoga class?

Ideally, at least two or three times a week. Most important is to practice consistently—to make it a regular part of your schedule and a priority in your life. Very often we let class attendance slide when life’s challenges intrude—and that’s just when it is the most crucial to maintain your practice for its ability to help you through rough times.

What do I wear to a class?

You definitely want to wear clothing that stretches and is comfortable as you move. Depending on the class and your preference, layers are often advisable since often one part of the class is more active and heat-producing while other parts are calming and cooling. Yoga teachers also appreciate clothing that allows them to check for misalignments which could compromise your body, which is difficult if the clothing is too baggy.

How long is a yoga class?

Typically, a class lasts from 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. A well-designed class should allow time to gently warm up the body, have a more active session, a cooling section, and then at least 10 minutes to rest. Some classes will be shorter, usually an hour in length.

How do I determine the correct level/style of class for me?

If you have never done yoga, have done only a little yoga, or have been away from it for an extended period of time, the best place to start is in a beginner’s or level 1 class. These classes introduce you to the basics of asana (yoga postures) and breath. Even if you are physically fit from various forms of exercise, it is highly advisable to learn yoga basics before proceeding to the more advanced levels.

Is yoga safe?

In most cases, yes. However, it is important to select the appropriate level of class for your current abilities, and to make the teacher aware of any physical limitations or injuries you might have. Again, a yoga studio should be able to guide you to the safest and most beneficial class that will meet your needs.

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy is usually one-on-one for people who are not able to attend regular group classes due to physical or other limitations or injuries. A good yoga studio should have at least one teacher on their roster who is highly trained in yoga therapy, or should be able to recommend one. In one-on-one instruction, a yoga therapist will design a practice to address your individual issues.

How does Tantric Vinyasa look different from other yoga classes?

The most noticeable difference will be that the flow or sequence of the asana will be practiced at a slightly slower pace in order to practice Adhikara.  Adhikara means “to become sensitive to the subtle realms or forces”.  These subtle forces are known as Prana or vital life force and Agni, or digestive and psychic fire.  Our goal in each practice is to become more and more sensitive to Prana, cultivate Agni and then ultimately control them.  In Tantric Vinyasa, we will not only practice asana to increase strength and flexibility but we will include breath control, bandhas, mudras, and visualizations.  The ancient Yogi’s believed through learning to control the subtle forces, we also learn to control the mind. One will leave a Tantric Vinyasa class knowing they have cultivated vital life force and a clear mind.
Link to ParaYoga for a more in depth look Tantra and the Sri Vidya Lineage