3. How often should I practice?
Successful yoga practice requires discipline and wisdom. Consistency is the key to success. For life-changing results practice 4-6 days per week. A practice of 2-3 days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. Develop the spirit of repetition and everydayness in your practice!
4. What if I'm not that flexible?
We encourage you to develop a flexible mind. You don't need to be physically flexible. All you need is to focus on letting go, sweating, breathing, moving, and respecting your limitations.
5. What is the meaning of Om?
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.
Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us –that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves–the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.
6. What are the benefits of "hot" yoga?
Practitioners of hot yoga believe the heat extends the ability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles. Immersing yourself in hot yoga practice is said to:
- release toxins
- improve flexibility and range of motion
- increase the chances of weight loss
- develop muscle tone
- build the immune system
Proponents of the practice also believe that hot yoga exercise reduces the symptoms of certain chronic illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, arthritis and circulatory problems.
7. Why is "namaste" said at the end of class?
Namaste means honoring the place in you in which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace.
8. Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. Rather it is a practice of self-awareness, self-training, and self-discovery. Yoga is non-sectarian, and can be compatible with all religions. If you are familiar with the differences between Yoga and religion, it is easy to keep them separate, or if you prefer, to integrate them. The choice rests with each person as an individual.
9. Why is proper breathing so important in yoga?
Breathing gives life, it's as simple as that. Without oxygen, no human cell can live for more than a few minutes. Many people use only part of their full breathing capacity, taking in about one third of the oxygen that their lungs could use. This leads to stress and fatigue, particularly during a challenging yoga practice.
The yogic breath discipline teaches you to breathe through the nose, accentuate exhalation rather than inhalation, and cleanse the lungs and eliminate toxins. These techniques are attributed with increasing your physical and mental health, so remember to BREATHE!
10. Will I lose weight doing yoga at Dana Hot Yoga?
Many of our students who practice regularly report rapid loss of weight and inches off of their bodies. Many of these students were very physically active before they began their power yoga practice. During a typical power yoga class, students can burn as many as 800 calories!
11. Does this style of yoga give my body as much of a workout as if I go to the gym?
Do I need to do my "cardio" in addition to coming to dana Hot Yoga ?
No. Dana Hot Yoga gives your body much MORE of a “workout” than if you go to the gym. Yoga, when practiced in this vigorous style, works just as well as strength-training for shedding fat. It also makes your heart stronger and boosts cardiovascular fitness, found a study from the University of California, Davis. Practice regularly to stay slim, fit, and serene. Yoga works 100% of your body, as opposed to say, running which works about 10% of your body, tennis–about 15%, swimming–about 15%, or ballet–about 30%. You don’t need to be flexible, graceful, athletic, or have “talent.” All you need is yourself, a yoga mat, a clear intention, and your breath. That’s all.
12. I am an athlete; can yoga help me with my sport?
Your hometown Philadelphia Eagles have practiced power yoga. Other athletes known to practice power yoga regularly include: Le Bron James, Georges Laraque, Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, Dan Marino, Barry Bonds, Annika Sorenstam, Carl Lewis, Mark Messier, Evander Holyfield, Pete Sampras, The Los Angeles Lakers, the list goes on and on!!!!
13. Will I strengthen my muscles at Dana Hot Yoga?
Yes. More than you can imagine. You will become so strong, lean, and flexible. It will just happen, while your attention is on how calm and centered and focused you have become. Hot Yoga works and cleanses every part of your body–not just your muscles. You will exercise just about every organ, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle, fill your body with fresh, oxygen-rich blood, and cleanse out your system. Because of this, after a Yoga practice, you will experience a beautiful energy and lightness, and clarity of mind.
