Frequently Asked Questions

Nervous? Unsure if yoga is for you? We have tried to address the most common questions and concerns.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable yet form-fitting clothing that will allow for easy movement. Gym clothes or sweats/warm ups are great.

I'm not flexible, can I still do Yoga?

Yoga is for every body! (One goes to a dance class to learn to dance, one goes to a Yoga class to learn flexibility, strength and balance). Teachers will offer modifications and props for different levels of flexibility so that you can still get the full benefits of each pose. Please be sure the class you are attending is appropriate for your level of ability.

Can I eat before class?

It is recommended to practice Yoga on an empty stomach. Please allow 2-3 hours after a full meal, or one hour after a small snack. Digesting food takes a great deal of energy. Have you ever noticed how tired you feel after eating a big meal? Practicing Yoga takes a great deal of energy too. It is much kinder to your body to allow it to only have to do one of these major activities at a time.

Yoga is an internal art. Each pose stimulates glands and organs in addition to working in the muscles and tendons. You will not receive as many positive benefits in these functions if your body has to keep busy with digestion. Eating and then performing some poses, like forward bends, actually may hinder proper digestion and elimination.

Can I just show up for class or should I register online?

It's your choice. Most students who arrive 10–15 minutes prior to class time will have time to complete registration (1st class only) and secure a spot in class. However, you may want to preregister online for our most popular teachers and busiest times – mornings and weekends.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring a mat (we have loaners if you're new, but encourage you to purchase one ASAP, not only to commit to your practice, but to create a small sacred space for yourself. You are welcome to bring water and please bring a towel if you tend to sweat. We have rental towels available if you forget yours! We also sell bottled spring water, coconut water and juice at the studio.

Why do teachers offer hands–on adjustments?

Teachers offer hands-on adjustments in order for students to avoid injury and more fully experience the posture. Please accept any adjustment by your instructor in the spirit of gentle guidance in which it is offered.

Is Yoga a religion?

Yoga is not a religion but an ancient sacred science and art that weaves together a union of movement, stillness, breath, meditation, and philosophy ("Yoga" means union). We are committed to creating a non–dogmatic environment of well-being and believe Yoga is integral to maintaining perfect health — physically, mentally and emotionally — and can enhance one's own spiritual beliefs.

Why do we chant OM at the beginning and/or end of class?

OM (AUM) is the universal vibration that is the sound of the creation of all things, and a sacred mantra; or mind instrument. The vibration is understood to be healing by creating resonance and entrainment of the cells that make up our bodies, allowing for a higher function of all systems in the body/mind. Clinical studies have shown that when the "seed mantra" OM was chanted over white blood cells, they began to manufacture and secrete interleukin and interferon, powerful anti-cancer hormones.

What is a typical class like?

Each of our teachers has their own style. Most of our Yoga classes are 75 minutes long. In many classes, we spend a few minutes at the beginning of each class practicing simple breathing techniques that calm the mind, body and spirit. We begin gently with various warm-up exercises designed to stimulate connective tissue, to warm, lengthen, strengthen and tone the abdomen, back and full body. We then move through various combinations of standing poses, seated poses and balancing poses, followed by a 10 to 15 minute guided relaxation meditation at the end of most classes. Each class is designed to provide a balance of movement and stillness, dynamic activity balanced by gentle relaxation. It a great way to spend some time each day!

The classes are mostly mixed-level. We often have many beginners in each class, as well as more experienced students. Throughout the entire class, each movement is modified to fit what your body will allow. A Yoga practice should conform to your body, not the other way around. You will begin to explore your own range of motion. You learn to simply observe this process — without judgment — gradually allowing the pose to unfold in your own body in its own perfect way. As the poses come in your own time, you begin to think differently about your body. You will feel a new sense of appreciation for your body and how miraculous it really is.

Each class is designed to show you how to take your body through a full range of motion. We like to link the poses together (vinyasa) in different ways so that you can learn to appreciate each movement and how it can feel differently, depending on how the poses are linked together.

Everyone is welcome: Male, female, all ages, all sizes, all shapes! Modifications are given in most classes, except for Level 2 Classes.

Will I ever be flexible enough to do these poses?

The goal of Yoga is not to "do a pose." Instead, you strive to open space to allow healing energy to flow throughout your body. You also gain awareness of your flexibility and range of motion, whatever it may be, and to learn to appreciate this miraculous vessel which is your physical body. The beauty of Yoga is that you never have to go beyond your limits. Instead, you are encouraged to listen to your body and to challenge yourself, but not to the point of strain or pain. This practice called "ahimsa" means treating yourself with non-violence. You learn how to be with your body as it is right now, in this present moment.

Each day your practice will be different because your body, mind and spirit are in constant change and transformation. Some days, certain poses will come effortlessly; other days, you may be more challenged with balance or stiffness or you may find that your mind may be trying to drag you into the past or future. Whatever happens during your practice, Yoga teaches you to simply accept whatever that particular day presents.

The process of learning to accept what happens during practice is helping to create balance. The true definition of balance is the ability of body and mind to adapt to constant change.

Is Yoga enough to keep me fit?

The studies are in and it is a resounding YES! Scientists and physiologists now agree that the practice of Yoga provides benefits far beyond flexibility and stress reduction. It is also proven to increase muscle strength and endurance, aerobic capacity, lung function and improved body composition (fat vs. muscle, bones and organs). According to the American College of Sports Medicine, in a recent study (at UC-Davis by Robert Holly, PhD, and Ezra A. Amsterdam, MD), participants practiced 4x weekly and in only 8 weeks muscular strength increased on average 31%, endurance 57%, flexibility 188% and VO2max (cardio-respiratory stamina) by 7% (typically not measured in short studies because it usually requires 15-20 weeks to see any positive change).

What is your definition of fitness? If it is to reach some lofty goal like winning a marathon or climbing the Himalayas, your Yoga practice will definitely be integral but may not be enough. However if it is to turn back the clock, to create more ease and stability, to strive for constant improvement, and to continue to be practicing well into your 90's and beyond then welcome to our world! This is a satisfying and attainable goal and it doesn't matter where you start!

What are Joyful Yoga's Business Policies?

Joyful Yoga is dedicated to helping our customers achieve greater satisfaction in their lives by promoting health and well-being body mind and spirit. Our business policies are aligned with this same goal, to ensure that we maintain a healthy, long term relationship with our guests.

Privacy. When you join our mailing list, submit an order, or send us an e-mail, that information will only be used for the purposes you authorize. None of the information you give us will be provided to any third parties. You won't receive any e-mail promotions from us unless you explicitly give us your permission. If you give us your address as part of placing an order, we may send you a postcard or catalog from time to time.

What is "Yoga philosophy"?

In western cultures, the perception is that Yoga is purely a physical exercise, a series of "pretzel-like" poses that can't be accomplished by the typical person. However, this ancient science and art encompasses much more than just physical movement. Over two thousand years ago, Yoga was an oral tradition, passed down from teacher to student. That all changed when the sage, Patanjali, wrote these traditions down into a single body of work called "Yoga Sutra." This work has stood the test of time and is considered to be the authoritative text on Yoga. Within this text, Patanjali explains that there are eight aspects, or limbs, to the practice of Yoga:

Yama - Universal ethical principles - How we treat others such as: non-violence, truthfulness, moderation in all things, non-possessiveness.

Niyama - Rules of conduct - How we treat ourselves such as: cleanliness, discipline, education.

Asana - Practice of Yoga postures.

Pranayama - Practice of breathing techniques.

Pratyahara - Control of the senses.

Dharana - Concentration of the mind.

Dhyana - Meditation.

Samadhi – Joy, peace and well-being. Communion with your soul. Bliss. A higher level of consciousness.

In the West, we traditionally work with asana (poses), pranayama (breathing), and dhyana (meditation). We focus on the aspects of the physical body to keep it healthy, since it is the vessel that carries us throughout our lifetime.

As you study this list, notice that Yoga really touches all areas of your life and that each aspect of Yoga is not necessarily achieved in the order they are listed. The practice of asana, pranayama and dhyana brings you in control of your senses (pratyahara), leading to increased concentration of your mind (dharana).

The eight limbs also represent how you treat others and how you treat yourself (niyama). When all of these aspects come together in union, you discover the way you live your life contributes to your overall state of well-being (Samadhi).

If you would like to learn more about Yoga philosophy, please check out our lending library and the large assorted selection of books, DVD's and CDs for sale at the studio.