FAQ's
Yoga class basics
Do I need my own yoga mat?
A personal yoga mat is recommended but not essential. Most yoga studios have additional mats to use. A client needs to remember that viruses and germs may be on a borrowed mat. Consider bringing wipes or using spray provided to clean your mat before and after use.
What type of yoga mat is best?
A yoga mat is much like a pair of sneakers. What works for one person may not work for you. I personally prefer a mat that is at least 5mm in thickness. I have tender knees, and the additional cushion is beneficial. Anti-skid mats can be problematic if you do not pick your feet up as you move into the next pose. I recommend that you purchase a middle-of-the-road mat until you know how to place your feet. TJ Max and Marshal's have inexpensive mats that work well.
Will I need to bring water to class?
Water during the hot summer months may make sense. Water, however, can serve as a distraction when a pose becomes uncomfortable. A better choice may be to ask, "Am I in pain?" if yes, come out of the pose. During a yoga class, we are asked to stay present and honor our bodies. I recommend having a water bottle but leaving it near the front entrance to use before and after class.
Do I need to do each and every pose?
No! It is essential to understand that yoga is a personal practice, and you should never do a pose that makes you extremely uncomfortable. Mild discomfort (on a scale of 1-10 - choose 2) is okay. This discomfort may come in the form of emotions. Yoga poses are used in holistic health to eliminate emotional trauma from the body. However, emotional trauma healing should be done in a safe environment. A group yoga class may not be the best choice. Trust your intuition.
PreTeen Yoga
What will my child learn in a yoga class?
In my opinion, yoga is a new "life" skill. Yoga teaches self-control, self-compassion, self-promotion, self-healing, and a host of other physical benefits. Mindful Strength Yoga will present your child with options to challenge and honor their mind, body, and spirit. They will be taught to analyze their body concerning cues being given. They will learn to modify their breath, their physical body and adjust their thoughts to gain peace, joy, and calm during chaos.
How do I know that my child will be safe?
As a parent, you are welcome to stay and watch the class. Currently, the class is being taught outdoors on my patio. You are welcome to stay and watch from the seating area.
Also, I will not teach a single child without the parent's permission. Adjustments to poses will be made with permission.
Will my child be asked to perform dangerous poses?
I teach a style of yoga called "Alignment Yoga." Every pose taught has been analyzed from a risk/benefit perspective. As an instructor, I teach that the ultimate owner of the pose is the student. The student is asked to go only 75% to 80% of their maximum. The theory is that over time, the position with evolving with strength and integrity.
Healing Benefits of Yogic Philosophy
Does yoga treat anxiety?
Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that yoga, more specifically meditation, positively affects calming the chaotic nature of the mind. Through the repeated cues given during class such as "observe the sensations of your breath," "notice the subtle tension in your body," "inhale to the count of 5 and exhale to the count of 7", etc. the student is taught to tune into the present moment. Over time, the student may translate these teachings off the mat and into everyday life and experience less anxiety.
How does yoga reduce my blood pressure?
Blood pressure is regulated by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. Adrenal glands are responsible for the fight or flight response in the body. Many, if not most, Americans are operating primarily in this heightened state, and as a result, their adrenal glands keep their blood pressure ready to fight! The additional by-product is when this cortisol is not used turns into glucosamine, and then when that is not used, it turns into fat. Too much weight increases the blood pressure from having to carry the additional weight.
Yoga teaches us to observe the present moment and to utilize the full capacity of our lungs. Yoga also teaches the use of an uneven breath count (inhale to the count of 5 and exhale to 7). This variable breath count activates the parasympathetic nervous system. The more a human utilizes their parasympathetic nervous system, the lower their blood pressure.
How will yoga decrease my acid reflux?
To understand how yoga reduces acid reflux, we first need to identify what acid reflux is. Acid reflux is when our stomach acid overflows into our esophagus and eventually into our mouth. This condition can be caused by weak digestive muscle and/or the incorrect ratio of chemicals in our stomach.
Yoga poses, breathing exercises, and bandhas serve to strengthen the entire digestive tract. Secondly, the parasympathetic nervous system's activation will allow the body's organs to secrete the right cocktail of enzymes to digest our food without having it overflow the container of the stomach.
What to expect in a Home Studio?
Reasons to choose a home studio for yoga, reiki, and meditation.
- Less foot traffic and, therefore, less virus transmission
- Resort-like atmosphere
- Transparency of teacher. You see how your instructor lives. Do they practice what they teach?
- Sounds of nature make the class more relaxing.
- Cost effective. The classes typically cost less because there is less overhead.
Is a home studio safe?
Yes! Yoga classes were initially taught in living rooms when yoga came to the US. This trend diminished as yoga became mainstream. However, with Covid, the movement is back on the rise. It is a way to keep costs down and group sizes smaller. My current home studio safely fits ten people and has a seating area for guests to wait.
Is there insurance provided at an in-home studio?
No! As a yoga instructor, I am insured. However, every client is expected to disclose physical limitations. Modifications will be given, and the client should not perform any pose that causes pain. They should receive consent from their doctor that they are physically able to participate in a yoga class.