FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does “yoga” mean?
What is Vinyasa Yoga?
Can beginners attend classes?
What if I’m not that flexible?
How often should I practice?
When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice?
What is the difference between Power Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga?
Is yoga a cardiovascular workout?
Can I lose weight with yoga?
Why is the studio heated and will this make the class more challenging for me?
What should I wear/bring to class?
What should I feel like during a yoga class?
What should I feel like after a yoga class?
Do I need to be religious to practice yoga?
Is it necessary for yoga teachers to be certified? What does it mean exactly?
What does “Om” mean?

What does “yoga” mean?
Yoga can be traced back to 5,000 years ago and is a Sanskrit word meaning to join, or yoke; union. Its full meaning is about the union of body, mind and spirit. It also is about the ending of the chatter of the mind, so that the mind can experience stillness, thus a meditative mind can be nurtured. For our culture, yoga is about the lessening of stress and anxiety of modern life; about relaxation, strength, and flexibility. A quiet mind and body can awaken the depths of being.

Hatha Yoga in the United States is primarily rooted in the teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya of Mysore, India. Hatha Yoga means Sun-Moon and it represents the many styles of yoga in the US that are primarily physical in nature.  This includes primarily Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar, the style of Krishnamacharya’s son, Desikachar, and other blends of the above styles. In addition to having training in the above styles of yoga and other yoga styles, many of our teachers have extensive back-grounds in fitness training, competitive sports, massage therapy and dance, bringing a high level of knowledge and experience of proper alignment and safety, which is essential for yoga as an exercise system in our Western world. 

What is Vinyasa Yoga?
Like many Sanskrit words, vinyasa has several meanings. Here are a few:

1. the linking of body movement with breath;
2. a specific sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to transition between sustained postures, “vi”= to place, “yasa” = in a special way;
3. setting an intention for one's personal yoga practice and taking the necessary steps toward reaching that goal. Vinyasa or "flow" yoga has become a very popular form of yoga in the US because it is an accessible form of yoga that will lead you to a state of inner calm, relaxation and mindfulness.

During a typical class, poses are linked together in a flowing sequence that builds heat, stamina, flexibility and strength. It is important to choose the right level of class for you in the beginning and as you progress, you will gain a greater insight into your own body and mind to be able to intelligently decide which classes and teachers are right for you. Vinyasa Yoga classes at Evolution Yoga are taught by teachers with a background in many styles of yoga, therefore each individual class style may vary to some degree based on the individual teachers’ unique style and approach. 

Can beginners attend classes?
Absolutely. Evolution Yoga has over 35 classes a week, with 15 teachers to choose from and our classes are labeled, “Technique" or Practice" or "All Levels".  We also have workshops suitable for those newer to yoga. We encourage beginners choose the appropriate level of class and recommend beginners commit to attending three classes in the first week. (For “brand new beginners”, we recommend our Technique" classes and our workshops for beginners. For ‘continuing beginners”, we recommend all classes labeled "Technique 2" or "Practice" classes.) This will help you to create a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding that will eventually help build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility. Trying a few classes per week will also help you to find the best teachers/styles for you.

It is also important to note that no matter what “level” you may think you are at, the key is to make sure you are in the appropriate level class for you today, and this can vary from day to day, depending on for example, how well you have slept the night before, if you have been ill, had a very active or stressful day at work, or if you have taken a few days off from your practice, etc. Please know that your body may require different types/levels of yoga throughout your journey of life. This is normal and healthy and your goal should be to get to know yourself well enough through your yoga practice to be able to make intelligent choices about what you need on any given day, on or off the mat. 

What if I'm not that flexible?
We encourage you to worry less about touching your toes, and more about developing a flexible mind. You don't need to be physically flexible. Practicing yoga will help you to develop both. All you need is to come as you are, select the appropriate level class for you on that day, focus on letting go, breathing, moving, and respecting your limitations. A yoga pose will expose blocks and imbalances and regularly practicing yoga will increase anyone's flexibility level, especially the muscles in between your ears.

However, increased flexibility alone is not yoga's only objective, nor its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga—to harmoniously unite body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice—can be experienced regardless of whether you're able to easily touch your toes.

How often should I practice?
Successful yoga practice requires discipline and compassion. Consistency is the key to success. For life-changing results practice four to six days per week. A practice of two to three days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. Develop the spirit of repetition and dedication in your practice and you will see results. Visit our Benefits page for an expanded response to this question. 

When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice?
Each individual will respond differently to yoga, based on a myriad of factors including age, physical condition, and genetics. What is far more important than measuring “progress” is to simply embrace where your practice is, and let go of any arbitrary self-imposed “goals”. Yoga is truly a life-long pursuit, one that you can go on exploring as long as you live and never learn all there is to know. Physically, think of yoga as the mortar between the bricks of your exercise regimen. Some people consider yoga their only exercise regimen since it is such a balanced, “core conditioning” physical practice. Beyond the physical, yoga can change your outlook on life. Remember, yoga is a “practice”, not about “perfection”. In the words of Bryan Kest, “Yoga isn’t about trying to get anywhere. It is about getting comfortable with where we’re at.” 

What is the difference between Power Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga?
The Power Yoga’s of Bryan Kest and Beryl Bender Birch are styles of Vinyasa Yoga and Power Vinyasa Yoga is a registered trademark of Baron Baptiste. There are many styles and brands of Vinyasa Yoga today beyond Power Yoga taught by many “evolutionary” yoga teachers of today: David Life and Sharon Gannon (Jivamukti), Cyndi Lee (OM yoga), Erich Shiffman, Seane Corn, Duncan Wong (Yogic Arts), Shiva Rea, and even John Friend with Anusara Yoga, which is technically an offshoot of Iyengar, but it contains many elements of “vinyasa”.

It is important to note, that “vinyasa” is a tool used in many styles of yoga beyond Vinyasa “flow” Yoga and comes from these older, classic forms of yoga: Ashtanga Vinyasa, Desikachar’s style and even Iyengar each incorporate vinyasa into their practice. In all styles of yoga incorporating vinyasa, there is a conscious awareness of moving the breath with the body. Practiced with consciousness and with knowledgeable teachers, Vinyasa Yoga is a wonderful program for the spine, at every level. Most of the classes at Evolution are labeled either “Basics” or “Open” level, and some are called “Challenge”.

Evolution Yoga honors that all of our teachers study many styles of Vinyasa Yoga and have other streams of influence as well, taking an interdisciplinary approach to their yoga path.  We also respect the natural curiosity in each of us that says: “hey, let’s learn where all this comes from” and all the above styles ultimately come from the lineage of Krishnamacharya, the man considered the Grandfather of Hatha Yoga (our studio has a wonderful, educational bulletin board dedicated to this lineage). Register for upcoming events with some of the above listed yoga “evolutionaries” (Jamie Allison, Bryan Kest, Cyndi Lee, Duncan Wong and Seane Corn). 

Is yoga a cardiovascular workout?
Yes, absolutely. Are you always in your “fat burning zone” in all of our classes? No, but in some of our Open/Challenge classes, you will experience some of the best interval training ever! What all yoga classes offer for the cardiovascular system, is the challenge of learning to breathe deeper and more consciously, so that even when you are not on your mat, you are able to take in more oxygenated air. More oxygen taken in all day long means more tissues in the body getting fortified on a regular basis, not to mention calmness from breathing deeper and more consciously. No matter what your level of fitness, you will find that yoga is ultimately a breathing practice that can help you become more healthy and alive, everyday of your life. Our Challenge and Hot classes can be challenging and powerful “workouts” that go beyond just a cardiovascular one. All postures combine flexibility and strength/endurance training and aim to work the entire body in a balanced way. In all of our classes, if you practice with patience and dedication, you will enhance your cardiovascular system in a healthy and natural way, develop increased muscle tone and strength, and certainly become more flexible than with other forms of exercise. You may even lose weight.

Can I lose weight with yoga?
Yes…and here’s why: While Yoga is not considered a high-intensity aerobic workout, it does burn a modest amount of calories, around 200–600 per hour, depending on the level of class you are in. Yoga can be a muscle building exercise, in turn raising the metabolism to maintain these muscles. It will enhance everything we do in life, improving body awareness and self respect, which can then affect the choices we make about our diets. You know you’re doing something good for your body, so you'll tend to eat better and healthier foods, drink more water, and get more sleep, etc. But...you’ll need to practice more than 3 times a week to achieve the best results for weight loss. A high intensity cardio workout (such as cycling, speed walking, running, etc.) is still the fastest way for losing fat weight...research is currently being done on yoga for weight loss among other topics, so stay tuned to the media and to Evolution Yoga’s informational bulletin boards for future information on how yoga improves health.

Why is the studio heated and will this make the class more challenging for me?
The warmth helps increase circulation to muscles, tissues and organs, enhances the functioning of the immune system, and provides great healing influence to the entire body. Our vinyasa classes are “warmed” to about 79-85 degrees (think tropical!).  Our Gentle Yoga & Restorative Yoga are warmed to about 78.  For more in depth information on heat, sweat for yoga classes and what is right for you, visit Sensible Sweat ~ Redifining Hot Yoga.  Evolution Yoga is a Sensible Sweat studio partner.

The warm classes will feel comforting and pleasant and will make the poses a bit easier to do, actually. In the classes labeled Open or Challenge, you will notice that the “heat” comes from not only the tropical temperature of the room but also from the more challenging nature of the class, and the level of heat you will feel depends on a few different things: how hard you are working, your body’s natural cooling system and even the type of fabric you are wearing on your body!

What should I wear/bring to class?
Women should wear yoga pants or stretch pants that you would normally wear to exercise in, and a supportive bra top. A t-shirt can be worn over the bra top although you may find that a more form fitting top resists riding up over your face in certain inverted poses like Down Dog. Men should wear shorts or leggings and a top that is either form fitting or a t-shirt that is tucked in. Both men and women who choose to wear shorts will want to choose shorts that are more form fitting so like the t-shirt, they don’t ride up during inverted poses. For the more heated classes, you should wear something comfortable for sweating. Visit our boutique to find specific yoga pants that offer more leg coverage and special fabrics that help wick the moisture away. Additionally, please bring water, a towel, a mat, and your open-minded spirit to class.

What should I feel like during a yoga class?
The most important thing to remember during a practice, whether in class or at home, is that practicing is an exploration. Each pose is an experiment. Go slowly and listen to your body. Learn to determine whether you are pushing yourself too hard or lightly challenging yourself to try a little more. And remember to breathe. When you are breathing in harmony with your movements, you are paying attention in a deep way. Paying attention not only prevents injury but also is at the heart of what yoga is all about.

What should I feel like after a yoga class?
After the relaxation pose at the end of your session, note how you feel. If there is a feeling of lightness and equanimity in your body and nervous system, you are on the right track. If you are overly sore the next day after your session, you may have overdone it. If you are developing an injury from your yoga, such as wrists or shoulders that ache, or low back issues, you are probably in need of toning down your practice a bit and should seek out a teacher who can help you with proper alignment. Remember that yoga is not about touching your toes, but what you learn about yourself on the way down to touch your toes. Learning proper physical alignment is key as is compassionate discipline within your practice.

Do I need to be religious to practice yoga?
Yoga is one of the orthodox philosophies of India. While it is not a religion, it is theistic, i.e. it teaches the existence of a Supreme Intelligence or consciousness. However, to practice the techniques of yoga successfully you do not need to believe in such a thing. Because yoga is a spiritual rather than a religious practice, it does not interfere with any religion. In fact, many people find that it enhances their own personal religious beliefs.

Is it necessary for yoga teachers to be certified? What does it mean exactly?
There are no nationally recognized standards for yoga teachers. So-called “certification” programs range from a weekend course to multi-year programs that are the equivalent of a college degree. In fact, there is controversy within the Yoga community about the issue of national standards. Some teachers and organizations support the creation of uniform standards while others oppose them on the grounds that Yoga, which is over 5000 years old, is so rich and diverse it would be impossible—and destructive—to set a single standard. That said, the Yoga Alliance, the 5-year-old organization at the center of the controversy, has outlined minimum training requirements that Yoga teachers must meet in order to become “registered” Yoga teachers (RYT). One can become registered with the completion of an approved 200-hour “certification” program, which is basically the equivalent of one month of full time training (25, 8-hour days=200 hours). Needless to say, many of today’s most experienced yoga teachers are not “registered” with this organization stating that their years of experience and dedication to yoga matter most. Registration has no national or official significance at this time. The Yoga Alliance recognizes that they are a very new organization and that its current registrations are minimum standards. The organization is working towards a more vast rating system that will include a more broad range of training programs that include and honor those teachers who have years of experience and training and the 200-hour minimum, will be near the bottom of their new rating system. Until then, students who are involved in a more physical yoga practice, should look for teachers who have a varied background with years of experience in yoga, anatomy and physiology and who have a consistent personal practice. At Evolution Yoga, when we hire yoga teachers, we look for training in yoga and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, years of study over hours of training, talent, and a commitment to being a constistent student of yoga. For more information on this controversial topic, visit the following web sites: Yoga Alliance and White Lotus Foundation.

What does “OM” mean?
OM is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does that mean? Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us—that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Every-thing that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of OM. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell. To sound it correctly, make an “AH” at the front of the mouth (wide open), moving to “oooo” (lips as an “O”), to “mmmm” (lips closed—try putting your finger to your lips to check that they are vibrating). Then try it again, pressing your fingers on your ears to block out the sound. The OM symbol represents the 3 states of consciousness: sleeping, waking, and dreaming, as well as supreme consciousness or self, which observes and permeates these states.

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