What is Yoga?

Yoga is a philosophy, a science, and an art that unifies body, mind, heart, and spirit. Yoga gives the energy to lead life fully by stretching and strengthening muscles, optimizing the functions of organs and glands, bringing stillness to the nervous system, and improving focus. Yoga can transform your body into a healthy state of balance, invigorate your spirit, bring peace and calm into your life, and unveil your true nature.

I am New, What Class is Appropriate for Me?

If you’re new to yoga or its been a while since you’ve practiced, we highly recommend starting your practice with a few months of Foundations of Yoga classes or a Yoga 101 workshop where you will learn and practice the basics of yoga in a slow paced class format. Focus is given to establishing a strong foundation through standing poses and abdominal strengthening. This is a great introduction to yoga. It is also a good preparation for more advanced work in flowing yoga.

Can Yoga Help Me Recover from Injuries?

“I’ve been athletic all my life, but right now I’m suffering from injuries. Can Yoga help me recover?”

With your physician’s blessing, Foundations of Yoga and Restorative Yoga are recommended.  It is vitally important that you communicate any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries to your teacher before class. That way the poses can be structured to accommodate your needs and help you heal and recover. And, you will reap all the benefits of Yoga:  focus, clarity, stress-relief, and increased energy while you rehabilitate.

Do I Need Any Equipment?

Yoga Birds provides mats, straps, blocks, bolsters and yoga blankets. If you have not invested in a personal mat we recommend a Yogi Toes towel or other towel for sanitary considerations.

Does Yoga Reduce Stress?

My doctor recommended I take Yoga to help me manage stress. But which class would be best and does Yoga really help?

Yoga is one of the most ancient and venerated forms of stress relief. Yoga is a complete mind/body practice that promotes mental clarity, enhanced self-awareness, physical and mental calm, and an overall sense of well being and release. Any of our classes will provide excellent stress-relief and help you on your road to greater peace and happiness, but we especially recommend one of our restorative yoga classes for immediate help with managing stress.

Can Yoga Help Me Lose weight?

The answer is YES!   Align and Flow classes can help you lose weight. The combination of moving through the poses and working with your breath is a great way to increase your metabolism and burn calories. And, practicing Yoga will make you more conscious and mindful of when and what you are eating and how you are taking care of your body.

Which classes are best for weight loss?

Align and Flow Yoga also improves your posture, flexibility and muscle tone, helping you look longer and leaner. For the ultimate in weight loss through yoga, schedule a private Yoga/Spin session with Melanie. More details in Class Descriptions.