Q : What is Power Vinyasa?
A: This is a flowing, dynamic form of yoga. Postures are linked together by breath connected movements that create a purifying heat, detoxifying the body and nourishing the internal organs. This flow challenges you to push yourself to your limit, while at the same time gives you the freedom to work at your own level. It differs from other styles of yoga, because it doesn't follow any tradition but it is based on intuition. Each yoga student traces his/her own yoga itinerary following nobody else but his/her heart. Practiced regularly and consistently, it transforms the individual working systematically through all the dimensions of the body. It is practiced in a heated room and through sweating, healing and therapy take place.
Emphasis is given on sensation and feelings and focus is turned inwards. With the Power Vinyasa Yoga flow, you gain strength, power, stamina, flexibility, focus, concentration, balance, grace, but above all, you learn to love and accept your body and have faith in yourself. You learn to look within and follow your heart.
Q : I have never done yoga before or any other form of exercise for a while. Will I be able to follow the class?
A : In our power yoga class, there are no standards or rules. Each person bends, twists and stretches according to his/her own needs. When starting power yoga, it is advisable to start slow and rest a lot during the class, in the child's pose. You do not have to do all the poses. Learn to be patient, work at your own pace, always listening to your body. With time and consistent practice, your body will open-up and will allow you to advance in your postures. Do not feel intimidated about the way you do the poses. Do not despise the days of small beginnings, as each step in our growth is important. Be willing to be a beginner in body and mind and enjoy this process.
Q : How often should I practice Yoga in order to benefit ?
A : As often as possible. Yoga is not a quick-fix. You should be willing to give yourself and your body time to get used to the yogic poses. The more you practice, the easier it will become. I'd suggest that two times a week is a very good start and then you will realize that your body will ask for more, increasing it to three times a week. So, depending on your own schedule, you can trace your individual yoga practice. If you cannot attend our classes, once you have learned the sequence, I would suggest that you practice at home. Once a week is not enough. Try to have a regular and consistent practice.
Q : I sweat a lot during the power yoga class. Is this good ?
A : Of course, it is very healthy. Through sweating, we get rid of toxins that build up in our body, we cleanse our system and give an opportunity to our organism to detox and get rid of unwanted stuff. It is important though that you drink a lot of water after your yoga practice to replenish all the liquids that you lost through sweat.
Q : Can I practice Power Yoga when pregnant?
A : Yoga is a great companion during pregnancy. But because Power Yoga is done in a flowing sequence in a heated room and there is a lot of internal heat, most women cannot stand it. I'd recommend that you practice Hatha Yoga instead. This is a more slow form of yoga where you can exercise your body in a relaxed way. Power yoga is more dynamic and challenging. If, you are already an advanced practitioner of power yoga you can modify your practice to your needs. But if you are completely new to Power yoga, pregnancy is not the ideal period of your life to start your serious yoga practice.
Q : What are the benefits of Power Yoga ?
A : Power yoga is a whole body system. Through a variety of postures, the flow of prana or life-force is increased bringing health and vitality. A truly healthy person is one whose energy and vitality enable him/her to fight illness. When the energy is flowing smoothly, then there is balance in the body strengthening the body's immunity system and resistance. The asanas work on all parts of the body, stretching and toning the muscles and ligaments, keeping the spine and joints flexible, improving blood circulation. They also massage the glands to secrete easily creating hormonal harmony. The nervous system is soothed and energized. The continuous flow, creates the heat within and the sweating allows the removal of body toxins. The relaxation, concentration and visualisation techniques release tension in the muscles, allow you to recharge your batteries , find inner serenity and peace of mind. The breathing exercises help you to control your mental state and to control prana or life-force in your body.
Q : Who can practice Yoga ?
A : Everybody can practice Power Yoga. Whether you are young or old, flexible or unfit you can benefit. You must not be perfect to start yoga. Yoga is not competitive, you are not put into a test, not comparing yourself to the others around you. Yoga is a personal journey that you undertake today, respecting your limits and accepting where you are. You must be patient, modifying the poses where necessary and working gradually. Yoga is not about achieving challenging poses copied from a yoga book, or touching your toes in a forward bend. It is taping into your true potential and bringing forward the beauty that lies in your heart. It is focusing on your poses, breathing and being totally present on your mat. Yoga is the art of listening. Listening to your body, and following your heart. If you can do that, then you have found the true meaning of yoga.
Q : What should I know before coming to your classes?
A: 1. Classes are on a drop-in basis, first come first serve.
2. please arrive at least 15 minutes early to class to sign uo and set up.
3. Come on an empty stomach – do not eat 2 hours prior to class.
4. If you have any medical problem, check with your doctor before joining these classes.
5. Tell your teacher about any injuries or health conditions.
6. Bring a towel and mat.
7. blocks and straps are free for you to use. Make sure you neatly put everything away after the class.
8. Changing-rooms are available.
9. Avoid arriving late to class as this can be disruptive to others. If you happen to arrive late, please be quiet so that you do not disturb the rest of the class. Respect others.
10. Wear non-restrictive clothing and plan to be barefoot.
11. The temperature is kept warm to help you stretch safely.
12. No Cell phones or shoe in the studio.
13. If you must leave early, do it before final relaxation in order not to disturb others. Cooling down is as important in your practice as warming-up. Just consider that it only takes a few minutes and this is when you give your body and your nervous system a chance to assimilate all the wonderful job you did during your practice. Without the final relaxation, your practice would be incomplete..
14 Respect the yoga center and leave everything clean as you found it.
15. Come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Drop your expectations. You do not have to be perfect to join these classes. Just start where you are and take one day at a time. Advance at your own pace and stretch to your limits. Be prepared to sweat !
16. All classes are 60 minutes
Please leave valuables at home (Balanced Body Integrated Wellness is not responsible for lost or stolen items)